urologylife, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostat

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

14 May 2024 - Posted By: Hermina Daan Mogot

Reviewed By dr. Indra Cahya Kurnia, Sp.U

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate gland is enlarged but is not malignant. This enlargement occurs with age so it can cause problems with urination. However, not all enlarged prostates cause symptoms, depending on the level of severity experienced by each individual.

The prostate is a fluid and sperm producing gland that only men have. The prostate gland is located below the bladder and surrounds the urinary tract. The initial size of the prostate gland is the size of a walnut and increases with age after puberty. The cause of BPH is not yet known with certainty, but several theories suggest that changes in male hormonal balance have a significant impact on the development of BPH.

Factors that can increase the risk of BPH are:
1. Age 60 years and over;
2. Family history of BPH;
3. suffering from obesity, heart disease
4. Little physical activity;
5. Erection problems (impotence).

In some men, an enlarged prostate can press on the urinary tract and cause the bladder to thicken and weaken. This condition can cause various urinary symptoms in BPH sufferers, such as:
1. Difficulty starting to urinate (BAK) until you have to push;
2. Urinate > 8 times a day;
3. Difficulty controlling BAK;
4. From time to time there is a stream of urine;
5. Urine drips from the end of the urinal;
6. Feeling that the urine is not empty and feeling full even after urinating;
7. Pain when urinating or ejaculating.

In severe cases, patients are unable to urinate at all and blood is found in the urine. Therefore, further examination by a doctor is required. The following examination tests can be carried out:
a. Digital rectal examination to determine the clinical size of the prostate;
b. Prostate ultrasound to determine the size of the prostate;
c. Blood PSA antigen level test. The prostate gland produces PSA, which increases with prostate problems;
d. Urinalysis to determine possible causes of urinary tract disorders other than BPH;
e. Urine flow rate test to measure urine output and volume;
f. Cystoscopy to see the inside of the urinary tract;
g. Biopsy to rule out malignancy.

Doctors can give medication to BPH sufferers, but if the symptoms become more severe the doctor will recommend that the patient undergo non-invasive surgery by inserting a type of needle through the urinary tract to reduce the size of the prostate.

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