BPH, or Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, is a condition wherein the prostate and its surrounding tissue expand. The prostate is the walnut-shaped gland, which is an essential part of the male reproductive system. Its primary function is to produce the fluid that aids and transports the sperm during ejaculation.
As a man gets older, the prostate can grow bigger and cause some problems, especially in the urine flow. Fortunately, BPH can be managed appropriately with the care and guidance of a qualified healthcare provider and an individualized treatment plan such as taking medication for BPH.
For some people, having BPH may sound alarming. Still, it is essential to note that it is not a life-threatening condition and would not usually lead to prostate cancer. However, BPH can cause bothersome symptoms that can affect your overall quality of life.
The exact cause of BPH is still undetermined, but age-related changes are known to contribute to prostate growth. Other possible causes are hormonal shifts and changes in the cells. The common symptoms of BPH are the following:
BPH must be accurately diagnosed since the treatment or medication for BPH will depend on your doctor’s assessment. As soon as you experience any symptoms, schedule a consultation immediately.
During your doctor’s visit, your doctor will review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and conduct a physical checkup such as a DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) to check the condition and size of your prostate. Other tests, such as blood tests, may also be done for a complete analysis of your condition.
If BPH is left untreated, it can lead to complications or other health-related issues, such as the following:
The treatment plans for BPH are designed to help ease the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on factors like the severity of your symptoms, the impact of BPH on your daily life, personal preferences, and overall health.
Common treatments for BPH include the following:
Doctors would agree on one thing in terms of BPH treatment: changing your lifestyle habits for the better. Eat more fruits and vegetables and reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake. You may also want to lessen your intake of processed meats, poultry, and spicy foods, which may worsen your BPH symptoms.
Incorporating a regular exercise routine is also helpful to help manage the symptoms and boost your overall health. Additionally, mind your fluid intake, especially during the evening, to avoid frequent urination.
Some doctors may recommend herbal supplements as complementary medications. However, there is still not much solid evidence supporting these pills’ effectiveness. But still, many patients have reported benefits from using the following herbal supplements:
Please do not take any herbal remedies without the approval of your doctor to avoid further complications or the risk of severe side effects.
This treatment plan is usually recommended for older patients who have mild symptoms of BPH. The main advantage of this plan is that the patient won’t have to worry about side effects usually associated with medication for BPH or procedures. If you are prescribed this treatment, monitor your condition and attend routine checkups so your doctor can evaluate your condition and make the necessary changes.
There may be no cure for BPH yet, but there are many treatments that have already been proven to be effective. Additionally, there are emerging treatments that are consistently being studied and developed. Here are some examples:
In conclusion, BPH is a highly manageable condition with various treatment plans that can be based on your overall condition. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment option, such as prescribing medication for BPH, or they may prescribe any of the latest procedures.
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Tia HealthMen with concerns about their erectile function can take this quick test and get some information on whether it might be good to seek help for ED.
Most men have experienced some difficulty in getting or keeping an erection. Having trouble when you’re nervous or have had too much to drink may not be something to be concerned about.
It isn’t erectile dysfunction unless you are experiencing ongoing difficulty.
The Canadian Study of Erectile Dysfunction identified 49.4% of men over 40 with ED (Canadian Urological Association erectile dysfunction guideline 2015). Though all men may experience an occasional lapse of sexual function, ED is the persistent inability to achieve an erection, despite being sexually aroused.
Each of the questions has five possible responses, with score values from one to five.
Your total score is simply the sum of the values of all five answers to the ED test questions.
22-25: No erectile dysfunction
17-21: Mild erectile dysfunction
12-16: Mild to moderate erectile dysfunction
8-11: Moderate erectile dysfunction
5-7: Severe erectile dysfunction
The results of this brief self-evaluation should be used as a guide for whether you might want to consult with a doctor, and not as a replacement for a medical consultation.
Answer the five questions and the results will be automatically emailed to you in minutes.
The information you choose to share will be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to any third parties.
