Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Self Care And Treatment Options For Prostate Enlargement

  Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Self Care And Treatment Options For Prostate Enlargement.

What is Prostate gland?

 Prostate Gland is an organ found in male reproductive system located at pelvic cavity below the urinary bladder. It produce alkaline fluid which helps the sperm to move and neutralized the acid in the male urethra and female vaginal tube.

An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men when they grow older.

Enlarged prostate is also called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It is not a cancer and it doesn't raise the risk to develop prostate cancer.

  What causes BPH?

The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and changes in the cells of the testes may have a role in the growth of the gland, as well as testosterone levels. Men who have had their testicles removed (Orchydectomy) at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.

Also, if the testicles are removed after a man develops BPH, the prostate begins to shrink in size. However, this is not a standard treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Some facts about prostate enlargement:

The likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age.

BPH is so common that it has been said all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough.

A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40. More than 90% of men over age 80 have the condition.

No risk factors have been identified, other than having normally-functioning testicles.

Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement (BPH)

The symptoms of prostate enlargement are often very mild at first, but they become more serious if they aren’t treated. Common symptoms include:

Incomplete bladder emptying.

nocturia, which is the need to urinate two or more times per night.

Dribbling at the end of your urinary stream.

Incontinence, or leakage of urine.

The need to strain when urinating.

A weak urinary stream.

A sudden urge to urinate.

a slowed or delayed urinary stream

painful urination

blood in the urine

Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. They are treatable, and often treating them can help prevent complications.

Prostate Enlargement Treatment Options

Don’t resign yourself to living with BPH. Addressing your symptoms now can help you avoid problems later. Untreated BPH may lead to urinary tract infections, acute urinary retention (you can’t go at all), and kidney and bladder stones. In severe cases it can lead to kidney damage.

Treatment options include medications and surgery. You and your doctor will consider several factors when you evaluate these choices. These factors include:

how much your symptoms interfere with your life

the size of your prostate

your age

your overall health

any other medical conditions.

Self-care Remedy for Prostate Enlargement.

Not all men with BPH need medication or surgery. These steps may help you manage mild symptoms:

Do pelvic-straightening exercised.

Stay active.

Decrease alcohol and caffeine intake.

Space out how much you drink rather than drinking a lot at once.

Urinate when the urge strikes — don’t wait.

Avoid decongestants and antihistamines.

Talk with your doctor about the treatment approach that best suits your needs.

Sources: www.Medline.Health line.com