Prostatic hyperplasia can be one of the health issues that men talk about most privately but are the least willing to talk about publicly. At the mention of "prostate", many male friends will undoubtedly frown. With age, the incidence of prostatic hyperplasia gradually increases, especially in men over the age of 60.
What exactly is prostatic hyperplasia?
The prostate, or BPH for short, is located deep in the male pelvis, just below the bladder, and has an important gland, the prostate, the size of a walnut. The prostate gland is like a valve that controls the flow of urine and surrounds the urethra. As we age, the prostate gland may gradually enlarge, a condition known as prostatic hyperplasia.
Men over the age of 50, especially those with a family history of prostate problems, are likely to be "targeted" by BPH. With the accelerated pace of modern life, unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise can also be catalysts.
What are the latent signals of BPH?
Prostatic hyperplasia, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a condition that is common in middle-aged and older men, especially those over the age of 50. The clinical manifestations of BPH can be divided into two categories: obstructive symptoms and irritation symptoms. Here are some typical symptoms:
Symptoms of intruder
1. Thinning and weakening of the urine stream: An enlarged prostate may cause pressure on the urethra, slowing down the urine flow and making it less forceful.
2. Difficulty urinating: It takes more effort to start urinating.
3. Intermittent urination: The flow of urine suddenly stops and then starts again during urination.
4. Laborious urination: You may need to squeeze hard or use your abdominal muscles to help you urinate.
5. Incomplete urination: There is still residual urine sensation after urination.
6. Urine dripping: After urination, urine is still dripping slowly.
Irritation symptoms
- Frequent urination: Frequent urination each day, especially at night (nocturia).
- Urgency: The sensation of a sudden and intense need to urinate immediately.
- Urinary urgency: discomfort or pain caused by not being able to urinate in a timely manner.
Other possible symptoms
- Hematuria: The presence of blood in the urine.
- Urinary tract infection: Bacterial growth due to residual urine.
- Urinary retention: In extreme cases, it is possible to urinate at all, and this is an emergency that requires immediate medical intervention.
The degree of symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia is not always directly proportional to the actual degree of enlargement of the prostate. Some people may have mild symptoms even if the prostate is large, and conversely, symptoms may be more severe in patients with a small prostate. Also, these symptoms are not specific, as they may also be manifestations of other urological disorders, so accurate diagnosis usually requires professional medical evaluation.
What are the causes?
1. Hormonal changes: As men age, their hormonal balance changes, especially the ratio of testosterone to estrogen. Testosterone levels in older men decrease, while estrogen levels are relatively stable or slightly elevated. This change is thought to stimulate prostate cell proliferation.
2. Genetic factors: Prostatic hyperplasia is more common in some families, suggesting that genetic factors may play a role in the development of BPH.
3. Age: BPH mainly affects men over 50 years old, and the incidence gradually increases with age. Almost all men aged 80 and older will have some degree of prostate tissue hyperplasia.
4. Lifestyle and dietary factors: Lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet (high fat, high sugar, etc.), and smoking may be associated with the occurrence of BPH.
5. Inflammation and infection: Chronic prostatitis and urinary tract infections may be associated with prostate tissue growth.
6. Drug factors: The use of certain medications such as β-blockers, anti-androgens may affect the size of the prostate.
Although the above factors are thought to be associated with prostatic hyperplasia, it should be noted that BPH is a complex process with multifactorial influences, and there is currently no universally recognized single cause.
How is it treated?
1. Observation: If the symptoms are mild and do not interfere with daily life, the doctor may recommend observation. This means regularly checking the size of the prostate gland and changes in symptoms.
2. Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve symptoms. One of the commonly used drugs is α-blockers, which reduce urethral pressure and improve urine flow, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which reduce the size of the prostate. Follow your doctor's instructions for using these medications and be aware of possible side effects.
3. Minor surgical treatment: For patients with severe symptoms or who do not respond to medication, the doctor may recommend minor surgical treatment. The most common surgical method is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), in which instruments are inserted through the urethra to remove part of the prostate tissue.
4. Laser Treatment: Laser treatment is a newer treatment for patients with mild prostatic hyperplasia. This treatment uses a laser to focus energy on the prostate, which destroys abnormal tissue.
5. Catheterization: For patients with urinary retention or other severe symptoms, a urinary catheter may need to be inserted to temporarily relieve problems with urine drainage.
Regardless of the treatment method, it should be carried out under the guidance of a medical professional. If you have symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia, talk to your doctor for personalized treatment advice.
How to prevent prostatic hyperplasia
1. Exercise regularly: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week can help maintain a healthy urinary system.
2. Reduce stress: Learn to relax, as tension and anxiety can worsen BPH symptoms.
3. Drink water and limit your coffee and alcohol intake, especially at night, to reduce nocturia.
4. Reduce your intake of spicy foods and sugary drinks, which can irritate your bladder.
- Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits, which are rich in antioxidants.
- Cut back on red meat and fatty foods and choose more plant-based protein sources.
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as tomatoes, berries, and green leafy vegetables, which are good for the prostate.
5. Regular check-ups: Get regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and digital rectal exams as you age. A physical examination can detect prostate problems early and intervene.
6. Limit the timing of fluid intake: Don't drink plenty of fluids at night to reduce frequent urination at night.
Avoid or reduce the consumption of irritating liquids, such as caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
7. Quit smoking: Smoking can affect blood vessel health and may be associated with prostate problems.
8. Maintain normal urination: Do not hold urine for a long time, and urinate in time when you feel the urge to urinate.
9. Manage chronic conditions: Control chronic conditions such as blood sugar and blood pressure, as these conditions can exacerbate prostate problems.
10. Maintain a positive mindset: Mental health is just as important as physical health, maintain an optimistic and active lifestyle.
If you are concerned about prostate health issues or are experiencing symptoms of prostate disease, you should consult a doctor or urologist for proper diagnosis and advice.
Although prostatic hyperplasia is a common male disease, as long as we understand it, prevent it, and actively treat it, we can protect the secret weapon of men's health.