Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

From the previous articles, you should know what’s prostate gland.  Although it’s the size of a walnut, it could have increased to the size of an apricot.  And by an older age, it might have grown to be as large as a lemon.

This growth is known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).  It poses some complications that can affect your quality of life.  As the size increase and if one did not seek treatment on it, it will eventually squeezed and narrow the urethra and lead to urinary problems.  If the conditions worsen, it might result in bladder or kidney complication. 

There is medication to improve the situation but if the case is serious, surgery is required to improve urine flow by removing any prostate tissue that is affecting the uretharal passage.

BPH is a common disorder in males over 50 years.  About 50% of males over the age of 60 had some sort of prostate disorder.  The major symptoms of BPH are as follows:-

• Increased frequency in urination
• Dysuria and weak urine stream
• Enuresis and intermittent urine flow
• Feel urge to urinate even after urinating
•  Increased frequency in nocturnal urination
• Sensation of inability to drain the bladder completely

There are 3 stages of BPH:-

Stage 1: This is known as the simulation stage.  The main symptoms include frequent nocturnal urination, posterior urethral perineal discomort, longer urination time and narrowing of urine stream.  The residual urine olume is usually less than 50ml and the urine flow chart shows a normal curve.

Stage 2: This is known as the residual urine occurrence stage.  There is increased severity in the symptoms mentioned above.  In addition, urination flow now requires one to exert force on the stomach.  The residual urine volume is 50 and 150ml accompanied by residual urine.  There may be sudden acute urinary retention or infection.  The urine flow chart shows multiple wave curves.

Stage 3: It’s known as decompensated bladder or bladder distension and urine retention stage.  The residual urine volume exceeds 150ml, accompanied by urine retention, overflow incontinence or kidney dysfunction.  The urine flow chart shows a low plateau curve.

A good prostate health does not end with regular screening.  Other helpful steps including eating a diet low in fat, but high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and drinking alcohol in moderation.