Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects the prostate gland in men as they age. It is characterised by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can lead to a range of urinary symptoms due to its proximity to the bladder and urethra. The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood. Still, it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels as men get older, particularly an increase in oestrogen and a decrease in testosterone.
What causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
As men age, hormonal changes can cause the prostate gland to grow in size. This growth is primarily due to increased activity of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate growth, along with a rise in oestrogen levels. It is also thought that during this time, the growth factors and cellular signalling pathways that helped the prostate develop are turned back on, which causes it to get even bigger.
How do you feel if the prostate is enlarged?
The symptoms of BPH can vary; in many cases, it may not cause any trouble, but typically men can suffer from:
- Difficulty initiating urination
- weak urine stream, or a stream that starts and stops
- frequent or urgent need to urinate
- increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
- Straining while urinating
- Inability to fully empty the bladder
What happens if I do not do anything for my enlarged prostate?
Complications of BPH may include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and chronic kidney problems due to the backflow of urine.
What tests are done for an enlarged prostate?
BPH is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and specific tests, which may include:
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): A physician examines the prostate gland's size, shape, and texture.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Elevated levels may indicate BPH, prostate inflammation, or cancer.
- Urinary Flow Test: Measures the strength and amount of urine flow.
- Postvoid Residual Volume Test: Determines the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.
Natural ways to treat an enlarged prostate
- Limiting fluid intake at certain times to reduce nighttime urination
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate urinary symptoms.
- Practising "double voiding" to help empty the bladder more completely.
- Scheduling bathroom visits to gradually extend the time between urination
What are the treatment options for an enlarged prostate?
Treatment for BPH depends on the severity of symptoms and any complications. Options include:
- Medications: alpha-blockers to relax prostate muscle fibres and improve urine flow, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to shrink the prostate. One can also use erectile-supporting medications like tadalafil to help you empty the bladder better.
- Minimally Invasive Therapies: UroLift, ReZum
- Surgery: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common surgery for BPH and involves removing prostate tissue to relieve obstruction; others include HoLeP and aquablation.
What is the latest innovation for an enlarged prostate?
The Optilume® BPH Catheter System is an innovative outpatient treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It uses a drug-coated balloon that is guided through the urethra with the help of an endoscopic camera until it reaches the prostate. This treatment modality is designed to be safe and effective for patients with BPH.
When the balloon is properly positioned, it will be inflated to widen the prostate's channel. This will enable the medication Paclitaxel to be delivered directly to the prostate tissue. Paclitaxel is a clinically proven drug that helps to prevent the prostate's channel from narrowing again during the recovery process. By doing so, it helps to maintain urinary flow by keeping the prostate's passageway open.
The key advantages of this procedure include the absence of any incisions, heating, cauterization, or laser application. There is also no need for implanting any devices as part of the treatment. This non-invasive nature typically results in a quick recovery and preserves sexual function, with minimal post-procedural catheter usage.
The Optilume® BPH Catheter System has been clinically proven to be safe and effective. Many reports say that it relieves BPH symptoms right away and for a long time. In addition, the procedure has been associated with higher urinary flow rates compared to other minimally invasive therapies.
Patients who undergo the Optilume® BPH procedure often experience a prompt improvement in urinary symptoms and overall quality of life. This includes enhanced urinary flow and a more complete and satisfying emptying of the bladder. The improvements have been observed to be significant and long-lasting, allowing individuals to regain command over their urinary functions.
How do I choose the best treatment for my prostate?
The choice of treatment depends on your health condition, the size of the prostate, and your expectations. It's always about the quality of life. Your urologist may not be able to offer all the treatment options, but they can offer you an honest conversation on the best way forward.
