BPH, which stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common condition that affects the prostate gland in men. The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. As men age, the prostate gland can enlarge, leading to BPH.
BPH occurs when the prostate gland grows in size and begins to squeeze and obstruct the urethra, causing urinary symptoms. While the exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, changes in hormone levels, particularly an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone, are believed to play a role in the development of the condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of BPH can vary but commonly include:
- Frequent urination, especially during the night (nocturia)
- Urgency to urinate
- Weak urine flow
- Difficulty starting and stopping urination
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Urinary retention (inability to urinate)
Treatment
Treatment options for BPH depend on the severity of symptoms, the impact on quality of life, and the individual’s overall health. Here are some common treatment approaches:
- Watchful Waiting:
For mild or moderate symptoms that do not significantly affect the quality of life, a doctor may recommend a “watchful waiting” approach. This involves regular monitoring of symptoms through check-ups and lifestyle modifications such as limiting fluid intake before bedtime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and emptying the bladder completely when urinating.
- Medications:
There are several types of medications that can help manage the symptoms of BPH. These may include:
- Alpha-Blockers: These medications relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow and reducing symptoms. Examples include tamsulosin, alfuzosin, and doxazosin.
- 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors: These medications work by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, helping to shrink the prostate gland over time. Examples include finasteride and dutasteride.
- Combination Therapy: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a combination of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors for more significant symptom relief.
You can buy BPH medications and other drugs like Gabica and Arinac Forte from your nearest pharmacy or online.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures:
For moderate to severe symptoms that do not respond to medication or for individuals who prefer a more definitive treatment, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended. These procedures aim to relieve urinary obstruction and improve urine flow. Examples include:
- Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT): This procedure uses microwave energy to heat and destroys excess prostate tissue.
- Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA): TUNA involves the use of low-level radiofrequency energy to burn away excess prostate tissue.
- Laser Therapy: Various laser treatments, such as Holmium laser enucleation or photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), can be used to remove or ablate excess prostate tissue.
- Surgical Interventions:
- In severe cases or when other treatments have not been successful, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options for BPH include:
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): TURP is a common surgical procedure where excess prostate tissue is removed using a special instrument inserted through the urethra.
- Open Prostatectomy: In rare cases of very large prostates, an open prostatectomy may be performed, which involves removing the prostate through an abdominal incision.
