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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia(BPH)

The more you know about the normal development and function of the prostate, the better you can understand how prostate related conditions develops and impacts a man’s life over time.

Prostate is a walnut size gland located in the pelvis under bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds urethra. Prostate plays a vital role in reproduction by releasing enzymes which facilitate fertilization and sperm transit and survival.

Male Hormone, Testosterone is typically responsible for the growth of Prostate during adolescent. Testosterone is primarily made in the testes, but a smaller amount is also made in the adrenal glands above our kidneys.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia(BPH)?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is when the size of the prostate increases, that it starts pushing the urethra and bladder, blocking the flow of urine. There are two growth periods in which the prostate grows. The first one occurs early in puberty and the second period begins after the age of 25 and continues during most of a man’s life. Almost 50% of the men between the age of 50yrs and 60 yrs suffer from BPH. The percentage increases up to 90% after the age of 80 yrs.

What are the signs and symptoms of BPH?

Common BPH symptoms are –

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate, getting up at night.

• Difficulty starting urination

• Weak urine flow

• Feeling of being unable to completely empty the bladder

• Urinary incontinence.

Though not all the men can notice the symptoms

 

What are the causes of BPH?

The cause of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia are still unknown, however, there are some common risk factors associated with the condition –

• Age – As the age increase, the chances of developing BPH also increase.

• Hormone Levels – As stated earlier, Testosterone is one of the fuel for growth of Prostate. Study confirms men whose testicles were removed before puberty, did not develop BPH.

• Other Factors – Research also show men with Diabetes and obesity are at higher risk to develop BPH.

How BPH is diagnosed?

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): The prostate makes a protein called PSA, which can be measured by a blood test. If PSA is high, BPH is more likely.

• Prostate ultrasound (transrectal ultrasound): An ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum, bringing it close to the prostate.

• Digital rectal examination (DRE): A doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate.

 

What are the treatment opions?

• Changes in Lifestyle - Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake. Following health diet one can control the symptoms of BPH.

• Medicines – Medicines like alpha blockers relieve the symptoms but does not stop enlargement; 5 alpha reductase inhibitors may reduce the size of enlarged prostate, however, it may take a lot of time.

• Surgery –

  • Open Surgery - Open prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland. Usually, an incision is made through the lower abdomen. This surgery is recommended mostly when the size of prostate is large.

  • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) – It is a surgical procedure in which a portion of prostate is trimmed away using a reteroscope. It is one of the most performed surgery which comes with lots of side effects. The reteroscope is inserted through the tip of penis into the urethra.

  • Holmium Laser Enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)- It is a modern alternative of TURP. This procedure is minimally invasive in which laser is used to enucleate the prostate.

  • Green Light Laser (PVP) – It is the recent addition to minimally invasive technique. In this procedure High powered Green Light laser is used to vaporize the prostate.

 

FAQ’s –

Am I more likely to get prostate cancer if I have an enlarged prostate?

-No, BPH doesn’t increase your risk to develop Prostate cancer, because both conditions occur in different zone of prostate.

What are the Long Term risks of BPH?

-If left untreated one can easily develop Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) because one cannot empty the bladder completely. This could further lead to formation of bladder stone and Incontinence.

Will I need a catheter after the treatment?

-Yes, you will need a catheter, however, it will be for a short duration during the initial healing process.

BPH Treatment in India

Hundreds of international patients fly every month for their BPH Treatment in India because it is available at affordable cost. Treatment options like TURP, HoLEP and Green Light PVP are performed on regular basis with excellent results. Most of the surgeons in our panel have more than 15+ years of experience.

 

Terms to know from this article:

Rectum The final section of the large intestine that ends at the anus.

Urethra The tube through which urine passes the body. It empties urine from the bladder.

Pelvis The sturdy ring of bones that protects the reproductive organs

Hormone A chemical made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs.

Gland An organ that synthesizes one or more substances, such as hormones, digestive juices, sweat, tears, saliva, or milk into cavities or into the bloodstream.

Testosterone A hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics.

Incontinence The inability to control the excretion of urine or the contents of the bowels

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) An infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra

Catheter A long thin tube used to take liquid out of body, in this case, urine.