BPH: Causes, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Having an enlarged prostate is different from having prostate cancer. The development of an enlarged prostate differs from the development of prostate cancer. Enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and its development is not lethal, making its prognosis good. Despite its good prognosis, having BPH could still become uncomfortable for the person. Bladder and kidney failure, urinary tract infections (UTIs), stones of the bladder, damages of the bladder, and other medical concerns may arise if BPH is left untreated.

The medical condition BPH is found more prevalent in men over the age of over 40. Structurally, the prostate gland is a walnut-sized mass of gland located between the bladder and the penis.

When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it becomes difficult for the bladder to work. The bladder stores urine, and it is responsible for passing urine through the thinner linings of the urethra.

Difficulty experienced by the bladder muscles causes it to work more than usual, thus making the bladder more sensitive. The more a bladder is sensitive, the more a person urinates.

In the long run, the bladder becomes severely stressed and before it gets empty, more urine gets stored causing an excess.

Causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

There has been no one reason why BPH occurs, but some claim that it is because of bodily hormones. Professionals believe that male body hormones such as testosterones and other androgens lead to BPH. Testosterone is an essential hormone in the male body. Through the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the prostate gland, the tissues surrounding the prostate grow. Excessive production of androgens and excessive conversion of testosterones into DHTs cause thick tissue lining.

Other researchers believe that older men have weaker blood vessels. These weaker blood vessels decrease the blood flow and amount of oxygen passing through the prostate causing it to become enlarged.

Diagnosis and Assessment Of BPH

There are three methods to assess and diagnose the presence or absence of BPH. The first of the three methods is the rectal exam. However, physicians often verify the presence of the prostate enlargement. The second method is with the use of blood tests, and the last is ultrasound. Ultrasounds performed during assessments must be taken on the urinary tract and prostate. Urine samples may also be used to detect infections and if these infections cause BPH symptoms.

In differential diagnoses, prostate cancers are ruled-out in order to diagnose the presence of an enlarged prostate.

Treatment of BPH

Knowing the presence of an enlarged prostate greatly aids in knowing what process will be used for treatment as well as to avoid a worsening of the condition. The patient may be asked to take oral medication or be asked to undergo surgery.

Seek medical consultation if you feel any of the symptoms of BPH. Should prescribed medications fail, medical surgery would be best to remedy the condition.