The most frequent benign tumor in males is benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a noncancerous growth of the prostate gland. BPH causes symptoms by preventing urine from passing through the urethra. By the age of 55, one out of every four men has BPH symptoms, and half of the men over 75 have it as well. Treatment is only required if symptoms become unbearable. By the age of 80, about 20% to 30% of men have BPH symptoms severe enough to require treatment. Until the recent approval of less invasive techniques to access the prostatic urethra and medications that can ease symptoms by decreasing the prostate or relaxing the prostate muscle tissue, surgery was the sole choice.
BPH symptoms are classified into two categories: those induced directly by urethral blockage and those caused by subsequent bladder abnormalities.
The following are common obstructive symptoms:
- Despite pushing and straining, having trouble starting to urinate.
- a sluggish urine stream; many breaks in the stream
- During urination, there is dribbling.
Bladder alterations are caused by the following factors:
- An intense want to urinate all of a sudden (urgency)
- Urination on a regular basis
- The feeling that your bladder isn't empty after you've urinated.
Your doctor will begin by inquiring about your symptoms in detail and performing a physical examination. The following items are likely to be included in this initial examination:
- Rectal examination with a digital camera. To examine for prostate enlargement, the doctor puts a finger into the rectum.
- A urine test is performed. An infection or other illnesses that can produce similar symptoms can be ruled out by analyzing a sample of your urine.
- A blood test is required. The results could point to a problem with the kidneys.
- Blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is a hormone generated by the prostate gland. When you have an enlarged prostate, your PSA levels rise. PSA levels can also be increased as a result of recent procedures, infection, surgery, or prostate cancer.
Following that, your doctor may suggest more tests to confirm the presence of an enlarged prostate and rule out other diseases.
These tests include the following:
- A urinary flow test is a procedure that measures the flow of urine in the body. You urinate into a container connected to a machine that measures the strength and amount of urine you produce. The findings of your tests can help you assess whether your condition is improving or deteriorating over time.
- Test for residual volume after voiding. This test determines whether you can totally empty your bladder. The test can be performed with ultrasound or by putting a catheter into your bladder after you have urinated to determine how much pee is remaining in your bladder.
- A voiding diary that lasts 24 hours. If more than one-third of your daily urinary output occurs at night, keeping track of the frequency and amount of urine may be extremely beneficial.
- If your problem is more serious, your doctor may suggest that you:
- Ultrasound in the transrectal area. To measure and analyze your prostate, an ultrasound probe is put into your rectum.
- Biopsy of the prostate. Transrectal ultrasonography is used to guide needles used to take prostate tissue samples (biopsies). Prostate cancer can be diagnosed or ruled out by examining the tissue.
- Studies on urodynamics and pressure flow. A catheter is inserted into your bladder through your urethra. Your bladder is progressively injected with water or, less usually, air.
- Cystoscopy. Your doctor will place a lighted, flexible instrument (cystoscope) into your urethra to see inside your urethra and bladder. Before the exam, you will be given a local anesthetic.
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Treatment
An enlarged prostate can be treated with a range of options, including medication, minimally invasive therapy, and surgery. The optimum treatment option for you is determined by a number of criteria, including:
- Your prostate's dimensions
- The level of discomfort or annoyance you're feeling
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