What is it
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), also called – more correctly – benign prostatic hyperplasia, is an increase in the volume of the prostate due to an increase in the number of cells that make up the organ.
Its incidence increases with age:
Age range | Percentage of men with BPH |
---|---|
Around the age of 40 | 5-10% |
70-80 years | up to 80% |
> 85 years | 90% (according to some data) |
Causes
The etiology of this disorder seems to be largely hormonal in nature, due to both male sex hormones and estrogens, which can be present in high quantities even in men.
This means that male hormones (androgens) are essential for the onset of prostatic hypertrophy, although they are not necessarily the direct cause of the disease.
Most common symptoms
The symptoms are mainly obstructive and irritative. Among the first the best known are the difficulty in urination, the intermittency of emission of the flow of urine, the incomplete emptying of the bladder and the resulting effort. All phenomena due to the fact that the enlargement of the gland compresses the urethra.
Among the irritative symptoms we find the increase in the frequency of urinating, even during the night (nocturia).
The manifestations of the disease are not related to the size of the gland. Sometimes, in fact, even an enlarged Oscan prostate gives worse symptoms than a large one.
Complications
Although in some cases there may be an increased risk of prostate cancer, BPH and prostate cancer are generally not related. The two pathologies develop in different locations of the gland, although their coexistence is possible.
Among the most common complications of BPH is a higher risk of urinary tract infections due to urine retention in the bladder.
Treatment
There are two types of treatment: medical and surgical.
Medical therapy uses medications to relieve symptoms, such as alpha-blockers. These relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck and thus increase the flow rate of urine.
In addition to alpha-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors are used. Combination therapy between alpha-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors has been shown to drastically reduce prostate volume.
If medical treatment fails, surgical treatment may be necessary. This involves resection of part of the prostate through the urethra.
Preventing prostate disorders is possible. Here are the Ten Rules developed by the experts.
When to consult your doctor
It is important not to neglect the first signs of a possible urinary tract disorder and, if you notice a certain persistence of symptoms, it is advisable to undergo a medical examination.
Early detection of the cause of the disorders allows prompt intervention to avoid or at least slow down the progression of the disease to a more serious condition, which could have repercussions on the personal and social life of the individual.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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