Definition:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland; the male organ that produces semen. Enlargement of the prostate can put pressure to the urethra causing difficulty in urination.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of symptoms and history of enlarged prostate in the family is vital.
Digital rectal exam can determine an enlarged prostate and signs of prostate cancer.
Urine test can help rule out infection and other conditions producing the same symptoms.
Treatment:
Alpha blockers such as Hytrin and Cardura and Enzyme inhibitors like Proscar and Avodart has the ability to make easier urination and shrink the size of the prostate gland respectively. Combination therapy of both is more effective.
Non-surgical treatment including microwave therapy, transurethral needle ablation, interstitial laser therapy, and prostatic stents are aimed at reducing the size of the prostate and enlarging the urethra to facilitate easier urination.
Surgery was once the most effective treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, but the need has decline due to the latest medications and non-invasive treatments available.
Symptoms and Signs:
Weak urine stream and difficulty initiating urination. Frequency in the need to urinate especially during night time, usually marked with urgency. Straining while urinating with blood in the urine. Stopping and starting with dribbling at the end of urination.
Causes:
Changes in testosterone and estrogen levels in men as they age are associated to stimulate the prostate to grow out of the normal size. This is only considered as a theory because the real cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is still unknown.
:
benignprostatichyperplasia
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