羞羞视频

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a common condition caused by an enlarged prostate 鈥� and it can result in urinary symptoms that affect one鈥檚 quality of life and overall health.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition caused by an enlarged prostate gland. It is not cancerous, nor does it increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, it does affect millions of men as they age, and it can result in bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

A urologic oncologist with 羞羞视频 explains what causes BPH and how to treat BPH.

How common is BPH?

BPH becomes increasingly common as men age:

• It can occur in men as early as their 30s, but it is more prevalent as men get older.
• By age 50, there鈥檚 a 50% chance of having BPH.
• By age 60, it鈥檚 about 70%.
• By age 70, it reaches 80%.

While nearly 80% of men will develop BPH, only about 30% experience symptoms significant enough to need medical intervention.

What causes BPH?

What is the main cause of BPH? Age is the most significant risk factor for BPH. While the exact mechanism behind BPH is not fully understood, it has been linked to hormonal changes that occur as men age.

Other contributing factors may include:

• Genetics: Family history may play a role, suggesting a genetic predisposition to developing BPH.
• Lifestyle influences: There are no definitive studies linking lifestyle factors to BPH. Certain activities like cycling (sitting on a narrow bicycle seat) might cause prostate irritation or pelvic floor dysfunction. However, that is not a proven cause of BPH.
• Health conditions: Conditions such as diabetes can affect bladder function and may cause symptoms that mimic symptoms of BPH.

What are the symptoms of BPH?

The prostate sits under the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate鈥檚 primary function is to produce the fluid that sperm travels through, also known as semen. The prostate can get bigger as men age, and it can obstruct the flow of urine, resulting in lower urinary tract symptoms.

It鈥檚 important to note that not all prostates are created equal, and a patient鈥檚 prostate size doesn鈥檛 always correlate with symptom severity. Some men with large prostates have no issues urinating, while some with smaller prostates do.

This variability means that symptoms can range from mild to severe, regardless of prostate size. So, it鈥檚 important to discuss any urinary changes with a doctor, even if you don鈥檛 think your prostate is enlarged.

BPH can cause various urinary symptoms, including:

• Difficulty initiating urination (hesitancy)
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Weak urine stream
• Dribbling after urination
• Having to push in order to get urine out

These symptoms often develop gradually. Most men don鈥檛 notice day-to-day changes, but many do recognize differences when asked to compare their current urinary symptoms to their voiding habits in their 20s, our expert says.

When to see a doctor for BPH

It is important to communicate openly with your doctor about any urinary symptoms you are experiencing.

Consider these questions about your urinary health, and compare your answers to your experience when you were in your 20s:

• Have there been any changes in your urinary habits?
• Do you have difficulty starting your urine stream?
• Do you have a weak stream when urinating?
• Do you experience any dribbling after urination?
• Do you feel like you鈥檙e fully emptying your bladder?

One way to initiate the conversation with your doctor is to say: 鈥淗ey, I feel like there has been a change in my urinary stream.鈥�

How is BPH diagnosed?

Tools for diagnosing BPH typically include:

• Patient history
• Digital rectal exam
• Bladder ultrasound (if available)

A bladder ultrasound checks the post-void residual (PVR), which is the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination.

It is important to differentiate BPH from other conditions with similar symptoms, because these conditions are treated differently.

According to our expert, one great mimicker of BPH that is often misdiagnosed is an overactive bladder. If the patient can empty their bladder completely as confirmed by a PVR but still complains of urgency and frequency, then it is more likely that they have an overactive bladder.

Doctors might also test a patient鈥檚 prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level to rule out prostate cancer.

How to treat BPH

Several significant advancements have been made in treatments for BPH in recent years, and there are many different ways of treating BPH.

Medications for BPH

• Alpha blockers: These are typically the first line of treatment, taken for 4-6 weeks to assess effectiveness.
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Added if alpha blockers don鈥檛 provide full relief, taking 4-6 months to reach maximum effect.

Surgery for BPH

If medications fail, various surgical options are available. Modern surgical techniques have significantly improved patient outcomes, compared to early treatment options for BPH. Following surgery, most patients are able to go home the same day, with lower risks of complications like incontinence or erectile dysfunction.

Most patients who undergo prostate surgery for noncancerous purposes do not experience those effects, our expert adds.

No specific diets or supplements are proven to prevent or treat BPH. Overall health maintenance is advised instead.

Key takeaways about BPH

If you鈥檙e experiencing urinary changes, discuss them with your doctor. BPH is manageable, and early intervention can improve your quality of life. BPH is common as men age, but remember:

• Not all enlarged prostates cause symptoms, and not all urinary symptoms are due to BPH.
• Proper diagnosis is crucial for proper treatment.
• Various treatment options are available, from medications to minimally invasive surgical procedures.
• Modern surgical techniques have significantly reduced risks associated with BPH treatment.

Remember, your doctor is there to help you. Don鈥檛 be embarrassed to discuss these topics 鈥� they鈥檙e important for your health. By providing detailed information to your primary care physician or urologist, you help them make a more accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment or referral.

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