Is It Just a Peeing Problem or a Prostate Issue? Let’s Demystify BPH

Talking about the prostate, that small, walnut-sized organ of the male reproductive system, might make some of us shift uncomfortably in our seats. It's one of those topics that tends to be whispered about rather than spoken aloud. But here's the thing: Things can go wrong, and if not caught in time, prostate issues can significantly affect men's quality of life as they age. 

Not even royalty is immune to the condition. The news of Prince Charles undergoing surgery for an enlarged prostate earlier this year has brought this condition into the limelight. So, let's try to understand more about the prostate to identify and treat any issues early.

The prostate gland is situated right below the bladder and ahead of the rectum, encircling the top section of the urethra — the passage through which urine exits the bladder. This means any issues with the prostate can impact both urination and sexual function.

Three conditions primarily affect the prostate: 

1. Prostatitis is an infection or inflammation of the gland.
2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the prostate increases in size with age.
3. Prostate cancer involves the development of cancerous cells within the prostate that can spread to other areas of the body.

BPH is the most common prostate condition, affecting 50-60% of men in their 60s and increasing to 80-90% of those older than 70. 

“Among the big risk factors that we know of is family history. That's probably the biggest one,” says Dr Brad Gill, a urologist at the Cleveland Clinic.  

Another one of the most significant benign prostatic hyperplasia causes is the natural ageing process in men, leading to hormonal changes, like a decrease in testosterone levels that stimulate the growth of prostate cells, causing the gland to grow. 

As the gland enlarges, it pushes against the urethra — the duct that excretes urine from the bladder. This pressure can lead to a weak urine flow, making it difficult to empty the bladder completely.

The first step towards managing BPH starts with catching it early. Here are a few symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia: 

• Frequent urination, particularly during nighttime hours
• Trouble with urination
• Decreased urine flow or interruptions in the stream
• Sudden urge to urinate
• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder

While some men may not find benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms severe enough to warrant seeking medical help, for many, these issues significantly diminish their quality of life.

After asking you about your symptoms in detail, your healthcare provider may conduct examinations to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A blood test to assess kidney function may also be requested. 

In addition, they may also recommend varied tests to analyse: 

• Protein levels produced by the prostate, which can indicate enlargement
• The strength and volume of urine flow to provide insight into how fast the condition is progressing 
• To determine if the bladder empties completely
• Urination frequency and volume, which is especially helpful if nocturia (nighttime urination) is a significant concern
• The size of the prostate.
• Tissue samples to ensure that the enlargement is due to a benign growth of the gland and not due to prostate cancer 

A combination of medical and surgical benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments are available. It’s imperative to speak to your doctor to choose the most suitable treatment option for your needs. 

Your doctor may prescribe medicines that alleviate symptoms but may not cure BPH. Regular check-ups every 3-6 months are recommended.

Surgical options for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments involve the removal of enlarged prostate tissue to improve urine flow and other precise procedures that are suitable for larger prostates. 

Surgical options for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments involve the removal of enlarged prostate tissue to improve urine flow and other precise procedures that are suitable for larger prostates. 

So, gentlemen, don't ignore the signs. Take charge of your health and reach out to your doctor if you notice any fluctuations in urination patterns or other symptoms associated with BPH. It's a small step that can significantly improve your quality of life. Remember, your prostate health matters and early action can pave the way for a brighter, more comfortable future.