After the age of
forty, the male prostate gland naturally enlarges; this condition is called
benign prostatic hyperplasia or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Many
urination-related symptoms may result from this rise, and, additionally, you can
get more severe renal and bladder issues.
Prostate adenoma can be effectively treated with a variety
of methods, such as medication and surgery. Transurethral resection of the
prostate (TUR of the prostate) is the most common type of prostate surgery.
Causes of an enlarged prostate
The prostate is a nut-shaped gland located immediately after
the neck of the bladder. Its main function is to produce a fluid that
protects and enriches sperm.
As a man ages, the prostate gland gradually
increases. It usually begins after the age of 40 and is thought to be
caused by hormonal changes. This increase can cause difficulty urinating
and can lead to problems with the bladder and kidneys. The increase occurs
as a result of hyperplasia (an increase in the number of cells) and hypertrophy
(an increase in cell size).
An enlarged prostate does not cause prostate
cancer. However, prostate cancer can occur in men with an enlarged
prostate.
Signs and symptoms
As the prostate gland gets
larger, it narrows the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder)
and can interfere with the outflow of urine. This can lead to problems
with urination, such as:
Increased urge to urinate
- Uncontrollable
urge to urinate
- Nocturia
– the need to get up often at night to urinate
- Difficulty
starting urine flow (indecisiveness)
- Poor
urine flow – weak flow or stop / start of flow
- Dribbling
of urine-especially at the end of urination
- Incomplete
emptying of the bladder.
The term LUTs (lower urinary tract symptoms) is commonly
used to refer to a range of urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
Some men may have no symptoms at all, while others may have
very severe symptoms. An enlarged prostate, if it is severe, can also lead
to:
- Chronic
renal failure
- Enlargement
and thickening of the bladder walls
- Bladder
stones
- Urinary
tract infections (UTIs)
- Bleeding
from the urethra
- Acute
urinary retention.
Any of these situations can lead to damage to the bladder,
urethra, and kidneys. If you experience burning, bleeding, or pain during
urination, you should immediately consult a doctor. Not urinating at all
requires urgent medical attention.
Diagnostics
If you have symptoms of prostate enlargement, you should see
a doctor make an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment. It is
important to rule out other possible causes of symptoms such as prostatitis
(inflammation of the prostate gland) or prostate cancer. To diagnose this
condition, your doctor will do the following::
Medical history
This includes the nature, duration, and severity of current
symptoms, the presence of any other medical conditions, and a family history of
prostate problems.
Physical examination
During the examination, the doctor will feel the presence of
signs of an enlarged bladder in the abdominal cavity and conduct a digital
rectal examination to check for an enlarged prostate gland.
Blood tests
They will be performed to check kidney function and to check
for PSA (prostate-specific antigen). PSA is a protein secreted into the
bloodstream by the prostate gland. A higher-than-normal level may indicate
an enlarged prostate or inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis) or prostate cancer. PSA levels are usually
significantly elevated in prostate cancer, but not always.
Urine tests
This may indicate an infection or the presence of blood in
the urine. Other urine tests can measure the force and volume of flow and
determine whether the bladder can be completely emptied.
If blood tests indicate elevated PSA levels and a digital
rectal examination indicates an enlarged prostate, a prostate biopsy may be
recommended to rule out prostate cancer. Ultrasound scans of the prostate
and urinary tract are also necessary for men over 40 years of age.
Treatments for an enlarged prostate
Treatment is only required if the enlarged prostate causes
symptoms. Traditionally, three main approaches to treatment were used:
“wait and see”, medical treatment, and surgical treatment.
“Wait and see” (i.e., without treatment).
This approach can be recommended if the symptoms are mild
and do not negatively affect the quality of life. The condition is
monitored regularly, and treatment will be recommended if symptoms worsen.
Medical treatment
Several medications can be used to treat
an enlarged prostate. Some medications work by relaxing the muscles inside
the prostate, making it easier to open the urethra, while others have the
effect of reducing the glandular component of the prostate. Medications
commonly used to treat an enlarged prostate include tamsulosin,
terazosin, doxazosin, and finasteride.
Surgical treatment
Up to 25% of men with an enlarged prostate need surgery,
usually because they experience serious symptoms that negatively affect their
quality of life.
Some less invasive procedures have been developed
recently, but since the long-term results of these new treatments are not yet
known, transurethral resection of the prostate remains the most commonly
performed procedure.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TUIP)
TURP is performed by a specialist urologist (urinary system
specialist) and is usually performed under general anesthesia.
A specialist inserts a resectoscope (a thin tube telescope
with light at the end) through the urethra and up into the prostate
gland. A specialist can view the prostate gland and bladder either through
a resectoscope or on a television monitor.
A special loop removes the glandular component in fragments
and then coagulates the bleeding vessels with a ball.
After TURP, you may need to stay in the clinic for one to
five days. Before you go home, a specialist will recommend instructions
for recovery and exercise, so it is important to follow them carefully.
Laser resection
A variation of the TURP method is laser resection of the
prostate. This is done in a similar way to TURP, except that the laser
beam is used to cut off prostate tissue rather than a heated wire
loop. This method tends to cause less bleeding than TURP, and recovery
time tends to be shortened.
Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
TUIP is similar to TURP except that the prostate tissue is
not removed. Instead, one to three incisions or incisions are made into
the prostate gland near the bladder neck. This releases a” ring ” of
enlarged tissue, creating a larger opening around the urinary tract and
therefore allowing urine to flow more freely.
Open prostatectomy
This operation involves removing part or all of the prostate
gland through an incision in the lower abdomen or perineum (the area between
the scrotum and the anus). It is also performed by a specialist urologist
and may be recommended in cases where the prostate gland is significantly
enlarged.
It is usually performed under general
anesthesia. Hospital stays of up to five days are common after open
prostatectomy. Again, the specialist will recommend instructions for
recovery and activity.
Natural cures
Soy proteins seem to have a protective role in the
development of prostate cancer, as does the lycopene present in
tomatoes. In general, the health of the prostate is guaranteed by a diet
and a diet rich in vegetables and fruit; it is useful to re-establish a
balanced alkaline. (Basenpulver).
Best moderate saturated fat, snacks, sweets, red meat, and
fried foods.
The assumption of that constant pumpkin seeds have a
beneficial effect on the muscle tone of the bladder: it helps prevent disorders
related to enlargement of the prostate gland and is useful in general to combat
the disorders that affect the urinary tract.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, Epilobium, also known as Epilobio, intervenes in the treatment of hyperplasia and benign prostate and, in general,
improves the urinary system.
It may be useful to integrate zinc, selenium, and
other antioxidants.
Here are three wonderful medicinal: Yarrow, Grapefruit
seed extract, and Vitamin C.
Remember that beverages with caffeine irritate the prostate,
as well as a lack of hydration, tobacco, and alcohol.