Signs of Enlarged Prostate and Its Treatment

 The prostate is a tiny gland deep in the pelvis only seen in men. It is located beneath the bladder, and the urethra (urine tube) flows through it; hence, some prostate problems may cause urinary symptoms. The prostate produces the semen fluid required for healthy sperm.

The enlargement of the prostate gland is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). "Benign" refers to cells that are not malignant, and "hyperplasia" refers to a rise in the number of cells. The prostate gland often enlarges with age; however, this does not always result in difficulties. But with Prostate Treatment in Delhi by Dr. Niren Rao, one can correct all prostate-related issues. You can also get more details in this blog drafted with insights shared by Dr. Niren Rao, the urologist at Delhi Urology Hospital.

What Causes an Enlarged Prostate?

The specific aetiology of Enlarged Prostate or BPH is under research, but there appears to be a genetic link (family history and racial background). It may be connected with a change in sex hormone balance as men age. There could also be a link between food and lifestyle issues.

BPH is benign (non-cancerous) prostate enlargement; most men have ongoing prostate enlargement throughout their lives. It affects 50% of men over 50, and the incidence rises with age.

It could block the urethra (urine tube) that runs through the prostate, resulting in painful urinary symptoms.

The symptoms tend to develop gradually; it is not uncommon for people to have a severe disease by the time they seek treatment.

What are the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

Symptoms are uncommon before the age of 40, but more than half of all men in their sixties and almost 90% of men in their seventies and eighties have some form of BPH.

Because the prostate gland encircles the urethra, it presses against the tube when it enlarges, reducing urine flow and creating urination issues. If prostatic hypertrophy-producing blockage is not addressed, the following changes may develop over time:

• The bladder wall thickens, its capacity decreases, and it becomes irritated.
• Urination occurs regularly as the bladder walls begin to contract, even with limited urine volumes.
• The bladder may grow weak and lose its ability to empty, resulting in urine retention.
• Many difficulties can arise as a result of incomplete bladder emptying and narrowing of the prostatic urethra, including:
• Urinating more frequently during the day.
• Urinary urgency occurs when the urge to urinate is so intense and sudden that one may not make it to the bathroom in time.
• The urine stream is delayed until it begins.
• Facing problems to strain and push with the abdominal muscles to begin urinating.
• Urine dribbling for a short period after urination.
• A sense that the bladder has not been wholly emptied following peeing.
• The urge to urinate frequently.

How is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosed?

Patients may first detect symptoms of BPH, or their doctor may discover an enlarged prostate during a routine check-up. The doctor may perform a test on the prostate's status.

The tests differ depending on the patient; however, the following are the most common:

• A urine sample is collected to look for blood or illness symptoms.
• The doctor performs a digital rectal examination (DRE) by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to check the size and condition of the prostate that may be felt beneath the rectal wall. More testing will be performed if the doctor detects anything unusual, such as a lump or bump.
• PSA test: A clinician draws a blood sample to screen for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is produced by the prostate and raised by cellular abnormalities within the prostate.

More tests to evaluate the prostate may be required, such as:

• Flow test and bladder scan: Patients may be asked to urinate into a device that monitors how rapidly the urine flows. A decrease in flow may indicate BPH. A bladder scan is then done to determine how much pee remains in the bladder following urination.
• Ultrasound imaging: Ultrasound imaging is used to figure out the size of the prostate gland and to look for prostate gland development into the bladder. It can be done through the rectum or the abdomen.
• Cystoscopy: A tiny tube called a cystoscope (which has a lens and light system) is inserted through the opening in the urethra in the penis by the doctor. It allows the doctor to have a detailed look at the urethra and bladder and identify the size, location, and extent of the obstruction.

Urodynamics research examines the pressure in the bladder and surrounding area during bladder filling and urine production. The doctor uses a thin tube (a catheter) to fill the bladder with water during this test. Another catheter with a pressure sensor is inserted into the rectum. This method can distinguish between numerous conditions that can cause voiding issues, such as BPH-caused bladder outlet obstruction, an overactive bladder, and an underactive bladder. This test is indicated when the doctor is unsure whether BPH causes urinary problems.

What is the treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia?

The doctor may recommend medication therapy to decrease the enlarged prostate. The doctor will choose the drug best suited to the problem, considering the person's overall health, medical history, medications used for other conditions, and quality of life concerns.

Another method for treating BPH is surgery. There are now numerous therapeutic options for BPH and various surgeries targeted at shrinking the prostate gland using multiple energy sources. The most effective procedure for patients will be determined by the size and structure of their prostate, as well as whether they are taking any medications that alter blood coagulation.

1. TUMT (transurethral microwave therapy)

TUMT is a technique that uses cold and heat to eliminate extra prostate cells and tissues. A catheter is inserted into the prostate, containing devices for producing and delivering microwave heat or energy.

2. TUNA (transurethral needle ablation)

A cystoscope (a surgical and visual device) is put into the urethra through the penis. Tiny radio-frequency (RF) needles are also inserted through the cystoscope, delivering heat and causing necrosis, resulting in prostate shrinkage.

3. Laser therapy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) 

Laser therapy and transurethral resection of the prostate are more sophisticated surgical techniques used to remove a portion of the prostate gland.

Laser therapy involves inserting a scope through the penis tip into the urethra because the prostate gland borders the urethra; the heat or energy (which is then transferred through the scope) slices or melts the prostate's extra tissues. Based on the type of concern, the prostate treatment cost in Delhi has been decided. This can vary from patient to patient and can start from Rs. 40,000, and this cost can increase based on the complication of concern.

Consult an Urologist

Dr. Niren Rao is one of the best urologists in Delhi and practices at Delhi Urology Hospital. He performs all types of prostate concerns and even kidney and bladder issues. He has the advanced technology available at Delhi Urology Hospital. If you want more details and a healthy life, book a visit at Delhi Urology Hospital.

Read More:

• Should I Worry About My Prostate Pain?
• 7 Reasons Why Women Get More UTIs Than Men
• Bladder Control Problems in Old Age People
• 10 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Urinary System to prevent UTIs & Other Issues
• FREQUENT URINATION IN WOMEN: ITS SYMPTOMS, CAUSING FACTORS, AND TREATMENT
• Everything you need to know about prostate cancer is here!
• UTI – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & More