How to Recognize and Treat Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)

By Dr Susan Jewell, eHow Expert in Health

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Benign prostatic hypertrophy is a medical condition that affects many middle-aged and elderly males. Forty five percent of men over the age of 46 can expect to suffer from the symptoms of BPH. The condition is also known as nodular hyperplasia or benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP) which basically describes the hypertrophy or specifically the hyperplasia (or enlargement) of the prostate gland. The condition is usually asymptomatic at the early stages and goes unnoticed by the patient, but symptoms develop when the prostate enlarges to a size that causes compression of the urethral canal and surrounding structures. The compression can partially or completely obstruct the flow of urine through the urethral canal which leads to common complaints of urinary hesitancy, frequent urination and decreased flow of urine, as well as increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urinary retention.

This article will help you to recognize and treat BPH.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

The main screening test for prevention and early detection of benign prostatic hypertrophy is a procedure called the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). This exam must be performed by a trained medical doctor and is usually done in the doctor's office or clinic.
* Refer to my article: "How To Understand the Digital Rectal Exam Procedure (DRE)" and view the sample companion video.
Step 2

Recognize some of the signs and symptoms of BPH. At early stages of this condition the person will have problems with urination and may experience some or all of these signs and symptoms: urinary hesitancy, increased urination, decreased urine flow, urinary tract infection. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should see your medical doctor to rule out BPH.
Step 3

Diagnosis is usually from performing several tests. The DRE (palpation of the prostate through the rectum) will show an enlarged prostate gland usually affecting the middle lobe. The doctor will order blood work to rule out maligancy/cancer of the prostate. An elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level requires more testing before any confirmed diagnosis is given. Usually the doctor will follow up an elevated PSA level with an ultrasound exam of the prostate, testicle and kidneys to rule out malignancy and hydronephrosis.
Step 4

Consider lifestyle changes if you suffer from BPH. Decrease caffeine and alcohol intake in your diet and reduce the amount of liquid consumption before going to sleep. There are medications that the doctor will prescribe to help alleviate or reduce the symptoms of BPH.
Step 5

TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) is a surgical procedure that will be done if medication treatment fails. This is a procedure in which part of the prostate gland is removed through the urethra. Research and technology have given us more choices in managing diseases and conditions, and now there are more options in the surgical treatment of BPH (e.g. transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TVP), laser TURP, visual laser ablation (VLAP), transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), ethanol injection. The doctor will decide which procedure will give the best results and reduce risks of side effects for each individual patient.

Comments

DrNancyMalik said

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on 8/2/2008 Staphysagria: This remedy may be indicated if a man feels burning pain in his urinary passage even when urine is not flowing, and urine retention is troublesome. Men who are likely to respond to Staphysagria are often sentimental and romantic, and may also have problems with impotence (most often caused by shyness).

Thuja: When the prostate is enlarged, and the person has a frequent urge to urinate, with cutting or burning pain felt near the bladder neck, this remedy may bring relief. After urine passes, a dribbling sensation may be felt. A forked or divided urine stream is sometimes seen when this remedy is needed.