Summary about Disease
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate enlargement, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. This enlargement can compress the urethra, leading to various urinary symptoms. It is a common condition in older men.
Symptoms
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
Difficulty starting urination
Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
Dribbling at the end of urination
Inability to completely empty the bladder
Causes
The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, but it is likely related to hormonal changes associated with aging, particularly changes in levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Other factors may include:
Family history of BPH
Aging
Obesity
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Medicine Used
Alpha-blockers: Relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow (e.g., tamsulosin, alfuzosin).
5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Reduce the size of the prostate gland by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride).
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: Often used for erectile dysfunction, these can also help relax the muscles of the lower urinary tract (e.g., tadalafil).
Combination therapy: Using both an alpha-blocker and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.
Is Communicable
No, BPH is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
While BPH itself is not preventable, certain lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms:
Reduce fluid intake before bedtime and before going out.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Urinate when you feel the urge.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Manage stress.
How long does an outbreak last?
BPH is not an outbreak. It is a chronic, progressive condition. Symptoms may fluctuate in severity, but the condition itself persists. Symptoms can be managed with treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Medical history and symptom assessment: Discussion of symptoms and medical history.
Physical exam: Including a digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess the size and condition of the prostate.
Urinalysis: To rule out infection or other conditions.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: To screen for prostate cancer (elevated PSA can also occur with BPH).
Urine flow study (uroflowmetry): To measure the speed and amount of urine flow.
Postvoid residual volume (PVR): To measure the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.
Cystoscopy: (In some cases) To visualize the urethra and bladder.
Transrectal ultrasound: (In some cases) To image the prostate.
Timeline of Symptoms
BPH typically develops gradually over time. There is no set timeline as each person can experience it differently. Common progression:
Early Stages: Initial symptoms may be mild and intermittent, such as slight difficulty starting urination or increased frequency.
Progression: Symptoms gradually worsen, including more frequent urination, especially at night, a weaker urine stream, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
Advanced Stages: In severe cases, BPH can lead to complications such as urinary retention, bladder stones, and kidney damage.
Important Considerations
BPH does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, but the two conditions can coexist, thus screening is important.
If left untreated, BPH can lead to serious complications.
Treatment options should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action based on individual symptoms and medical history.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery are all possible management options.