What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Posted by Bhuvan Sharma on June 22nd, 2023

Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is also named as benign prostatic hypertrophy. This occurs when the prostate gland enlarges significantly, which can lead to urinary issues. BPH is a typical symptom of ageing. Don't worry it is not a tumour or cancer. With a histological prevalence ranging from 8% at the age of 40 to 90% at the age of 80, it causes the death of 30 out of every 100,000 men in developed countries and is one of the diseases that causes the greatest health expenditure. It is a serious disease to see in old age people. 

An enlargement or inflammation of the prostate gland is painful and uncomfortable. It is a common problem for men only. The prostate gland is only available in men, situated in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It surrounded by the urethra, where tube control the pee function. A portion of the fluid that shields and nourishes the sperm in semen is produced by the prostate as part of its function. The semen becomes more fluid as a result.

Cause Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

There is no clear explanation for the cause of enlargement or hypertrophy. Numerous studies link it to prostate cell proliferation that results from a decline in the testosterone/estrogen ratio with ageing. When we grow up, 5-alpha reductase boosts up-conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and the buildup of dihydrotestosterone leads to cell growth and, ultimately, growth of the prostate gland.

Mechanical obstructive symptoms are caused by the enlarged prostate, which may completely or partially obstruct the bladder neck and occupy the urethra's lumen. The stimulation of the alpha neuroreceptors, which are abundantly present in the prostate tissue, on the other hand, results in an increase in urethral pressure and functional symptoms.

According to different studies, there is no clear relationship between the size of the prostate and the frequency or severity of symptoms.

The most important risk factor to have prostate enlargement or Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is age and the functions of the testicles. Race, family history of BPH, and dietary variables(factors (certain vegetables have a protective function against BPH due to their content of phytoestrogens, which have antiandrogenic effects on the prostate) are additional risks.

Symptoms of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

The most common symptom is related to urine because of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It increases the urge to urinate, mainly at night. Patients feel the most irritated and have difficulty in the urinary tract system.

Obstructive symptoms

• Delay in the onset of urination.

• Decrease in the calibre and force of the jet.

• Intermittent or prolonged urination.

• Post-void dribbling.

• Urinary retention.

• Overflow incontinence.

Irritative symptoms

• Pollakiuria.

• Nocturia.

• Urgent urination.

• Urge incontinence.

• Suprapubic pain.

Complications such as acute urine retention, urinary infections, bladder stones, or obstructive nephropathy with renal failure might result from not receiving therapy.

Treatment Guidelines

Male patients who exhibit a frequent urge to urinate, tremendous effort at the onset of urination, and weak urine flow due to the probability of lower urinary tract involvement should consult a healthcare professional immediately.

• The severity of the symptoms will determine the course of treatment for BPH as per experts. The first recommendation and comparison to alternative therapies will include the following advice:

• Drink liquid frequently throughout the day rather than consuming a lot of them all at once.

• Use the restroom whenever you need to, without holding back.

• Be patient if you are unable to begin urinating. While pressing steadily on the abdominal muscles, refrain from pressing too hard or abruptly.

• Refrain from drinking alcohol because it irritates the prostate.

• Refrain from a sedentary lifestyle and take walks. This will allow you to decongest the pelvic area and will ease the discomfort.

• Try to maintain a daily intestinal rhythm and avoid constipation.

Natural Supplement

Various plant-based supplements are available on the market to reduce the inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland. Saw Palmetto, beta-sitosterol, cernilton, Pygeum africanum etc are a herb that is used for prostate health, proper function of the prostate gland and reduced prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto berries are highly famous to reduce the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and lower the prostate problem. It is not available at every corner. Hence, using saw palmetto capsules is the best option.

Surgical Treatment

Prior to the development of pharmacological treatment in the 1990s, surgical intervention was the most common and well-liked form of treatment. The goal was to completely remove the hyperplastic tissue(enlarged tissues) in order to alleviate symptoms and reverse any potential consequences. Currently, surgical surgery is advised, particularly in instances with frequent infection relapses, recurrent urine retention, the onset of obstructive uropathy of the upper urinary tract, and severe hematuria. Open procedures (now less commonly) or endoscopic techniques have both been and are still utilised, depending on the size of the hyperplastic gland.