Causes and Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Introduction

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia refers to the condition of the enlargement of the prostate gland in older men. Generally, it badly affects men above the age of 50. This prostate gland enlargement occurs due to the increase in the prostate gland cells, and the multiplication of the cells leads to swelling. It exerts pressure on the urethra and blocks the passage of urine. However, neither is this condition similar to prostate cancer nor poses a threat to the patient’s life. Nonetheless, it jeopardizes the quality of life and creates immense discomfort. Since this condition leads to uncomfortable symptoms that hinder the regular flow of urine, it also causes other bladder problems and issues of the kidney and urinary tract.

If you are suffering from this condition, you can opt for various effective methods of treatment. Doctors prescribe treatments like medication, invasive therapies, and surgery, and the prescription depends on the extent of the enlargement and the severity of the condition. The doctor considers the size of the prostate, the symptoms, and the patient’s general health condition and suggests the treatment accordingly. If you are thinking of consulting any urology specialist, you can consult Gousse Urology.  Book an appoinmet with Gousse Urology to help with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. This reputed establishment headed by the renowned urologist Dr. Angelo Gousse is undoubtedly the best option for you to resolve this issue.

Causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The prostate gland is located below the urinary bladder, and it is through the gland the tube carrying the urine passes to the urethra. The enlargement constricts the tube causing health hazards. Although the cause of enlargement is still unknown, the primary reason is the changes in the hormones in men. It is also associated with the aging factor. The causes are often related to the family history of prostate issues or issues related to the testicles. Men who have had their testicles removed do not develop this condition. However, in the case of some men, they undergo prostate enlargement throughout their lives. Treatment becomes necessary when the expulsion of urine becomes problematic due to excessive enlargement of the gland. Hence, the abnormalities in the sex hormones lead to this health condition.

Risks Associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Aging evokes the risks of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia as men below the age of 40 are not susceptible to this disorder while symptoms are evident in men by the time they reach the age of 60, and it takes severe form by the age of 80. People whose father and brother have had prostate enlargement cases are most vulnerable to it. Again according to research, people with a history of heart disease or diabetes are at risk of developing this condition. The risk of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is also high in the case of people suffering from obesity. So it is ideal to exercise regularly to evade such risks.

Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The symptoms vary in the case of people suffering from this condition. The size of the gland does not determine the severity of the condition. For instance, men having a slight increase in the size of the prostate might develop severe symptoms.

The common symptoms are:

• Increase in the urgency of urination
• Increase in the frequency of urination
• Increase in urination at night (nocturia)
• Inability to urinate
• Inconsistency in urination
• Inability to fully empty the bladder
• Dribbling towards the end of urination

Apart from the common symptoms, there are other symptoms as well, like:

• Urinary tract infection
• Passing of blood in the urine
• Developing an inflammation in the prostate
• Developing urethral stricture

 

In severe cases, the symptoms are

• Developing problems in the nerves that control the bladder
• Formation of kidney or bladder stones
• Cancer in the prostate gland or the urinary bladder

Conclusion

Suppose you observe even the slightest hint of any of the above-said symptoms like difficulty passing urine or frequency or urgency to urinate. In that case, it is ideal to consult a urologist and discuss the issues with the doctor. Early detection of the problem can prevent further complications and aggravation of the condition and help you resolve it with medication. But, on the other hand, severe complications can lead to kidney or bladder damage. So, you must seek the help of specialists at the earliest. Gousse Urology can help with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and the expertise and experience of the doctors will help you handle the situation safely.Learn more about Angelo E. Gousse, M.D.: A Haitian Academic Urologist, via this Haiti Open Magazine interview.