WHAT IS THE PROSTATE
Found below the bladder and in front of the rectum, the prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is about the size of a walnut. The prostate goes all the way around a tube which carries urine from the bladder out through the penis called the urethra.
The main job of the prostate is to make fluid for semen. Sperm made in the testicles moves to the urethra during ejaculation. Simultaneously, fluid from the prostate and the seminal vesicles also moves into the urethra. This mixture (semen) goes through the urethra and out through the penis.
Also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) this refers to the nonmalignant growth of the prostate observed very commonly in aging men.
WHAT IS BPH
The prostate presses against the urethra as it enlarges. Along the line, the bladder may weaken and lose the ability to empty fully. Narrowing of the urethra will result in urinary retention (being unable to empty the bladder fully).
BPH is not cancer. It is benign, meaning it does not cause or lead to cancer. However, it is important to note that BPH and cancer can happen at the same time.
BPH is common among most men between ages 51 and 60. Up to 90% of men over age 80 have BPH.
SYMPTOMS
- Constant feeling that the bladder is full, sometimes right after urinating
- Feel the need to push or strain to urinate
- A weakened flow of urine
- Trouble starting to urinate
- Feeling that urgent need to urinate
- The Need to stop and start urinating several times
If BPH becomes severe, it could result in not being able to urinate at all.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
The growth of this gland, which is just below the bladder, is typical. But problems with urinating are not typical. Please see a doctor If you experience common BPH symptoms, such as:
- Urinating 8 or more times a day
- Dribbling after urinating
- Waking up several times a night to urinate
- A hard time starting a stream
- A weak urine stream
The above could be said to be normal or mild symptoms. Please see a doctor urgently if you have the following more severe symptoms. If you:
- Cannot urinate at all
- Feel intense pain or discomfort in the lower belly
- See blood in the urine
- The urge to urinate never goes away.
- Feel pain when urinating and you have fever and chills
WHO IS AT RISK FOR BPH?
The likelihood of Getting a BPH will depend largely on:
- Age - It is more common among older men. BPH does not usually affect men younger than 40 years old.
- Family history - Chances of getting it is higher, if one’s dad or close male family members have the condition as well.
- Ethnicity - BPH affects Asian men less often. Incidence of BPH is more common among black and white men. Black men may even get symptoms at a younger age.
TREATMENT
BPH treatment can begin at home with self care. If symptoms don’t subside through self-care, doctors may recommend medication or surgery. Prescribed treatment will be influenced by age and general health of the individual. Below are some BPH treatments.
Natural Treatment
This may include specific actions or lifestyle changes that can help relieve symptoms. These may include:
- Ensuring to urinate immediately one feels the urge.
- Exercising regularly. Lack of exercise can aggravate symptoms
- Avoiding the many common decongestants or antihistamine medications, some of them can make it even more difficult to empty the bladder.
- Keeping warm. Being cold could make symptoms worse
- Strengthening your pelvic muscles through the learning and practicing of Kegel exercises
- going into the bathroom to urinate, even without the urge
- The avoiding of alcohol and caffeine
Some people also include natural remedies in their natural treatment of BPH. However, there isn’t evidence that they are effective. Learn more about BPH natural remedies.
Drugs
In case the lifestyle changes are not able to relieve the symptoms, a doctor may prescribe medication. There are several medications that can help to both treat the BPH itself or its symptoms.
These medications may include alpha-1 blockers, hormone reducing medications, and antibiotics.
Alpha-1 blockers - will relax the muscles of the bladder and prostate. They also relax the neck of the bladder and make it easier for urine to flow.
Hormone reducing medications
Medicines that are capable of reducing the levels of hormones produced by the prostate gland are commonly prescribed. These are medications that lower the levels of testosterone. In some cases, lowering the hormone levels made the prostate get smaller which improved urine flow.
However, as with most medications, they may also lead to undesired side effects such as impotence and a decreased sex drive.
Antibiotics
If the prostate becomes inflamed from bacterial prostatitis Antibiotics may be used. This may improve the symptoms by reducing the inflammation. It is worthy to note that antibiotics won’t help BPH that is not caused by bacteria.
Side effects
Alpha blockers affect one’s blood pressure, as such they can make you feel very tired and cause the following as well:
- Retrograde ejaculation. (When sperm goes backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis. Which may not augur well for men who still want to have children because there will be no sperm in ejaculation.
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
COMPLICATIONS OF BPH
Most people ignore the symptoms of BPH. However, if treated early, it can help you avoid potentially dangerous complications. Men with a long history of BPH may develop the complications such as:
- Urinary tract infections(UTI)
- Bleeding in the urinary tract
- Damage to kidney
- Sudden inability to urinate
- Urinary stones
Sometimes severe BPH results in Bladder Outlet Obstruction (where no urine can leave the bladder at all). This is dangerous because urine trapped in the bladder could also cause urinary tract infections and ultimately damage your kidneys.
