Disease, Illness and Condition Library
BPH - Enlarged Prostate Gland
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH is an enlargement of the
prostate gland. It is a non-cancerous condition that affects over
half of the men over 50.
As the prostate enlarges it presses against the urethra and obstructs
the flow of urine creating difficulty starting the urination process.
BPH suffers also report a weak urine stream.
It is no wonder that with such blockage, the bladder muscles widen,
and the bladder nerves become irritated, causing bladder contractions
that result in the frequent urge to urinate.
At some point the muscles can no longer force the urine past the
blockage and urine backs up, leading to potentially serous bladder
problems, recurrent urinary tract infections, and potential urinary
retention (failure to empty the bladder). Urinary retention is serious
and requires immediate treatment. It may be of some consolation
that BPH usually does not affect sexual function.
The Numbers
Age 50 – By the age of 50 more than half of all American men will
show signs of prostate enlargement
Age 70 – By age 70 over 40 percent of American males have
enlargement that can be felt on an annual physical examination.
This probably would include a rectal exam.
Researchers have not been able to determine the cause of BPH, but
know that it requires the existence of the hormone testosterone.
Because of this BPH does not occur in men who have had their
testicles surgically removed or men who are unable to
metabolize testosterone.
BPH Symptoms are Usually Split into Two Categories
Irritative or Obstructive
Irratative Symptoms – Irritative symptoms include the frequent
urination, many trips to the bathroom at night, and the frequent
or constant urge to urinate. These symptoms are often the precursor
of signs of prostate problems, although they may not be noticeable
until years after the prostate has started to enlarge.
Obstructive Symptoms - Bladder outlet obstruction is a term used
to describe a group of obstructive symptoms such as decreased
force and diameter of the urinary stream, the failure to urinate,
difficulty starting the flow of urine, a feeble flow, and double
voiding (the need to urinate again in 5 or 10 minutes).
Additional Symptoms – Additional symptoms may include frequent
urinary infections which are recognized by a burning feeling during
urination and strong smelling urine. You may also experience blood
in the urine, which occurs when blood vessels are stretched and broken
by enlarging prostate tissue. If you see these symptoms you should
contact your doctor due to the fact that other serious diseases including
cancer share these symptoms. While it is true that BPH is not cancerous,
advanced stage cases can cause kidney damage and even kidney failure.
So don’t procrastinate in seeing your doctor.
What to Expect with You Doctors Visit
Medical History Check - To diagnose BPH doctors will perform a medical
history check and administer a physical examination
Urinalysis - A urinalysis will be preformed to rule out infection.
Abdominal Press - The doctor examines the bladder by pressing
down on the abdomen.
Rectal Examination - A rectal examination also will be preformed
to confirm whether or not the prostate is enlarged.
Urine Flow Analysis - Since the part of the prostate that usually
obstructs urine flow is the tissue immediately surrounding the
urethra, which cannot be felt during the rectal examination the
doctor, may also require a urine flow analysis. The amount of
urine left in the bladder after urination will also be measured.
Blood Test – A Blood test may also be preformed to rule out
kidney dysfunction or to screen for prostate cancer.
Treatments
BPH cannot be cured, but symptoms can be relieved by a variety
of medications and surgical procedures.
Mild Symptoms - Mild symptoms may prompt your physician
to take a wait and see attitude. Your doctor may want you to
schedule periodic appointments to monitor the situation.
You might even consider a natural treatment or herbal
supplement such as Prostacet at this stage. Herbal supplements
are generally considered safe, so in many cases they are
certainly worth a try.
Moderate Symptoms - Moderate to worsening symptoms will
prompt your doctor to consider prescribing prescription
medications. These would include alpha blockers (drugs
designed to shrink the prostate). Sadly, BPH drugs work
only as long as they are being used, therefore they must
be taken indefinitely.
Serious Symptoms - Serious symptoms could prompt your
doctor to consider surgery. Most doctors would consider
this a last resort for the treatment of BPH. BPH surgeries
target the obstruction and are designed to benefit the
patient by removing or reducing prostate tissue.
- A man with an enlarged prostate may find that certain foods
and medicines may increase the intensity of BPH symptoms.
Caffeine and Alcohol – Reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol
intake. These may irritate the prostate and increase the need for
nighttime urination.
Fried Foods – Stay away from fried foods, not only will your
prostate thank you your heart will as well.
Low Fat and Low Cholesterol Diet – Implement a diet that is low
in fat and cholesterol. Men who follow such a diet have a lower
risk of BPH.
Vegetables – Eat more vegetables. Men who do so have a lower
rate of BPH than those who do not.
Fluid Intake – Limit your fluid intake particularly at bedtime. This will
naturally reduce the number of times you will have to get up to urinate
while sleeping.
Medications – Keep a watchful eye on the medications you are
taking. Many drugs aggravate urinary problems. These would
include, but not be limited to decongestants, diuretics, and antidepressants.
Natural Supplements for BPH or Enlarged Prostate
- Prostate Dr. - Promote Prostate & Urinary Health - Continue
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