Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Guide

What Is Enlarged Prostate (BPH)? Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment

Have you noticed changes in your urination habits: frequent trips to the bathroom, difficulty starting to pee, or a weak urine stream? Maybe you wake up several times at night to urinate or feel that your bladder isn't fully emptying when you finish. These common symptoms might be signaling something more than just the ordinary signs of aging; they might indicate an enlarged prostate. For many men, discovering these symptoms can raise worries about their health and future wellbeing. The term "enlarged prostate" often comes with questions and concerns. What exactly is it? Is it dangerous? Can it be treated effectively?

What is an enlarged prostate (BPH)?

An enlarged prostate, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate, a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, plays an important role in the male reproductive system by producing fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. When the prostate grows beyond its normal size, it can squeeze the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, leading to urinary difficulties.

Causes and risk factors

Reasons for enlarged prostate

• •Aging
  The prostate gland naturally grows throughout a man’s life. Enlargement rarely causes symptoms before age 40, but the likelihood increases significantly with advancing age.
• •Hormonal changes
  Shifts in the balance of sex hormones, particularly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are believed to trigger prostate growth.
• •Family history
  Men with a close relative who has experienced enlarged prostate problems are at increased risk.
• •Lifestyle factors
  Obesity, lack of physical activity, and diet can influence prostate health, with studies showing that obesity raises the risk of enlargement.

Who is more likely to have BPH?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) commonly affects men aged 50 and above. Besides age, medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease also play a role in risk. Studies indicate that men with a family history and metabolic conditions have higher rates of BPH development.

Signs of enlarged prostate

Recognising the early signs of enlarged prostate can greatly influence treatment success and quality of life. Symptoms often develop gradually, affecting urination patterns such as frequency, urgency, and stream strength.

Early vs. advanced symptoms

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate can vary widely, starting with mildly enlarged prostate with urinary changes and potentially progressing to more severe complications if left untreated.

Complications of untreated enlarged prostate

If left untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to serious and sometimes irreversible complications that affect urinary function and overall health. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent the effects of enlarged prostate.

• •Urinary retention
  This is the sudden inability to urinate due to blockage of the urethra by the enlarged prostate. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate catheterisation to drain the bladder and sometimes surgery to relieve obstruction.
• •Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  Incomplete bladder emptying fosters bacterial growth, raising the risk of urinary tract infections that can cause pain, fever, and further complications.
• •Bladder stones
  These develop when sediments accumulate in stagnant urine left in the bladder due to poor emptying. Stones can cause irritation, infection, and blood in the urine.
• •Bladder damage
  Constant overdistension from urine retention weakens the bladder muscles. It reduces their ability to contract and fully empty the bladder, causing worsening symptoms.
• •Kidney damage
  Prolonged back pressure from urine retention and repeated infections can damage the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure if untreated.

Enlarged prostate diagnosis and tests

Diagnosing an enlarged prostate begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical examination and targeted tests to confirm prostate enlargement and rule out other conditions. Accurate diagnosis guides the most effective prostate gland enlargement treatment plan.

Common diagnostic methods include:

• •Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
  The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to check the size, shape, and texture of the prostate gland.
• •Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test
  Measures PSA levels in the blood, which can be elevated in BPH, infection, or prostate cancer.
• •Urinalysis
  Tests a urine sample to check for infections or urinary tract issues that may mimic or coexist with BPH symptoms.
• •Imaging
  Ultrasound (transrectal or abdominal) provides images of the prostate size and bladder condition.
• •Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test
  Measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which helps assess kidney function.

These comprehensive tests help differentiate BPH from other urinary or prostate conditions and tailor the treatment accordingly.

Enlarged prostate treatment options

Treatment for an enlarged prostate varies based on the severity of symptoms, overall health, and patient preferences. Options range from conservative lifestyle changes to medications and minimally invasive procedures.

Prostate enlargement prevention through lifestyle changes

Simple lifestyle modifications can greatly ease symptoms of an enlarged prostate and potentially delay or reduce the need for medical treatment.

• •Limit fluid intake before bedtime
  Reduce nighttime urination.
• •Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
  Irritate the bladder.
• •Follow a Mediterranean diet
  Rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
• •Maintain a healthy weight
  Lower inflammation risks.
• •Engage in regular exercise
  Better circulation and hormone balance.
• •Practice double voiding
  Fully empty the bladder.
• •Avoid smoking and manage stress
  Relaxation techniques.

Medicines for enlarged prostate

Medication is often the first choice for managing mild to moderate enlarged prostate signs. Doctors usually suggest:

• •Alpha blockers
  Relax prostate and bladder muscles to ease urine flow.
• •5-alpha reductase inhibitors
  Shrink prostate size over months.
• •Combination therapy
  Can provide enhanced symptom relief.
• •Tadalafil
  May be prescribed for BPH with erectile dysfunction.

Minimally invasive and latest treatments

Minimally invasive procedures and advanced technologies provide effective symptom relief with less recovery time and fewer side effects compared to traditional surgery.

• •Laser therapies
  Vapourise or remove obstructive prostate tissue.
• •Optilume BPH catheter system
  Non-surgically widens the urethra.
• •UroLift implants
  Lift prostate tissue to relieve pressure on the urethra.
• •Water vapour therapy
  Uses steam to shrink excess tissue.
• •Robotic waterjet ablation
  Precisely removes obstructive tissue.

Enlarged prostate treatment cost in India

The cost of an enlarged prostate treatment in India depends on the chosen treatment type, hospital facility, and geographic location. Here is an overview:

Enlarged prostate treatment costs vary based on treatment type, hospital, and location. Patients are advised to consult healthcare providers for personalised cost estimates.

What comes next

Enlarged prostate is a common and manageable condition when approached with timely diagnosis and appropriate care. Understanding the nature of prostate enlargement and its treatment options removes uncertainty and empowers effective decision-making.

Early evaluation by a specialist expands your treatment choices, often reducing the need for invasive procedures. If you notice changes like frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping flow, or a feeling of incomplete emptying, do not worry.