What is Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Prostatic hyperplasia is characterized by the enlargement of prostate gland. it is also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Although it isn't cancerous, it can cause the same prostate symptoms as prostate cancer. The prostate continues to grow during most of a man's life. This is common in men over the age of 50. Half of the man over the age of 60 have prostatic hyperplasia. It is present in around 80% of men over the age of 80.
Symptoms
- Difficulties in Urination - Patients need forces generated by pushing the wall or abdominal forces to initiate a urine stream
- Weak Urine Stream - Weak urine stream excreted in drips
- Enuresis - Associated with frequent urination and urine retention
- Urine Retention - Urine retention in bladder
- Frequent Urination - Frequent urination for more than 10 times each day
- Strong urge to urinate - The strong urge is caused by urinary retention in bladder, and the enlargement of prostate
- Incontinence - Caused by the looseness of bladder muscles
Complication
- Kidney Diseases - Long-term urination blockage leads to return of urine in kidney, causing damage to kidney.
- Urethrocystitis - Bacterial infection in urethra and bladder due to retention of urine in urinary bladder.
- Damage in Bladder - Enlarged prostate gland narrows the urethra, making the urine in bladder under long-term stress. Bladder Muscles loosen and are unable to perform their functions properly.
- Hernia, hemorrhoids - Since patients have to use their abdominal force to excrete urine, pressure in abdominal cavity and anus increase. This leads to hernia and hemorrhoids
Treatments
- Observation (For mild symptoms)
- Medications
- Balloon angioplasties
- Surgeries
