Let's get to know BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) that men need to be aware of!

Let's get to know BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) that men need to be aware of!

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition when the prostate gland is enlarged. If there is BPH in us as a result, it will cause the flow of urine to be not smooth and urination feels incomplete.

The prostate gland is only owned by men. Therefore, this disease is only experienced by men. Almost all men experience an enlarged prostate, especially at the age of 60 years and over. However, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, and not all prostate enlargement causes problems.

Men aged 60 years and over should have regular check-ups with the doctor, especially if they have urinary problems. If left untreated, obstructed urine flow due to BPH can lead to impaired kidney and bladder function. But keep in mind, benign prostate enlargement is not associated with prostate cancer.

Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The severity of the symptoms of a benign prostate enlargement can vary from person to person, but generally gets worse over time.

The main symptoms of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are problems with urination, which can include:

-Urine is difficult to come out at the beginning of urination.
-Need to strain when urinating.
-Weak or intermittent urine flow.
- Urine drips at the end of urination.
- Urination feels incomplete.
- Urination at night becomes more frequent.
-Beser or urinary incontinence

Diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

To determine whether a patient has a benign prostate enlargement, the doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms. Then the doctor will perform a digital rectal examination to determine the size of the prostate.

The next checks that can be carried out are:

-Prostate ultrasound, to see the size of the patient's prostate.

-Urine test, to rule out infection or other conditions that have symptoms similar to benign prostate enlargement.

-Blood tests, to check for possible disorders of the kidneys.

-Test for measuring levels of antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is produced by the prostate and its levels in the blood will increase when the prostate gland enlarges or is impaired.

To make sure the patient has a benign prostate enlargement and rule out other conditions, the doctor will perform the following tests:

-Measures the strength of the urine stream and the amount of urine that comes out.

-Check the patient's ability to empty the bladder.

-Checking the possibility of prostate cancer, through a biopsy or taking a sample of prostate tissue for examination in the laboratory.
Seeing the condition of the urethra and bladder, by inserting a flexible tube with a camera (cystoscope) through the urinary opening.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment

Treatment of benign prostate enlargement depends on the age and condition of the patient, the size of the prostate, and the severity of the symptoms. Treatment methods that can be done include:

Self care If the symptoms are considered mild, the patient can carry out independent treatment to relieve symptoms, namely by:

-Avoid drinking anything an hour or two before bedtime.

- Limiting the intake of drinks containing caffeine and alcohol.

-Limiting the consumption of cold medicines that contain decongestants and antihistamines.

-Do not hold or delay urination.
Make a schedule for urinating, for example every 4 or 6 hours.

-Maintain an ideal body weight, by following a healthy diet.

-Exercise regularly and regularly do Kegel exercises.
Manage stress well.

Drugs
If self-medication doesn't relieve your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe the following medications:

-Alpha blockers, such as tamsulosin, to facilitate urination.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride or dutasteride, to shrink the size of the prostate.

Research shows that drugs to treat erectile dysfunction, such as tadalafil, can also be used to treat benign prostate enlargement.

Operation
There are a number of prostate surgery methods that urologists can use to treat benign prostate enlargement, including:

1. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

TURP is the most common surgical method to remove excess prostate tissue. In this procedure, the blocked prostate tissue is removed little by little, using a special instrument that is inserted through the urinary opening.

2.Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)

TUIP does not remove prostate tissue, but makes small incisions in the prostate so that urine flow becomes smooth. This procedure is performed on an enlarged prostate that is small to moderate in size.

Other treatment methods
In addition to the two procedures above, the blocked prostate tissue can be burned with a laser beam or removed through open surgery.

Removal of the prostate through open prostatectomy is done when the size of the prostate tissue is very large or there is damage to the bladder. In this procedure, the prostate is removed through an incision made in the abdomen.

Complications of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Untreated benign prostate enlargement can lead to a number of serious complications, including:

-urinary tract infection

- Bladder stone disease

-Can't pee

- Bladder and kidney damage

Benign prostate enlargement cannot be prevented. Prevention efforts that you can do is to prevent the symptoms from getting worse, namely with self-care as described above.
You can also prevent the condition from getting worse by immediately seeing a doctor as soon as you experience symptoms of a benign prostate enlargement. That way, your condition can be treated immediately before complications arise.

Immediately consult a doctor if you experience problems when urinating, especially if accompanied by:

-Pain when urinating

Blood in the urine (hematuria) or sperm (hematospermia)

-Urine doesn't come out at all

These symptoms can also occur due to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney stones, even prostate or bladder cancer. Therefore, a thorough examination is required. To carry out an examination, you can immediately make an appointment with a doctor at the Hermina Pasteur Hospital or book through the Halo Hermina application which can be downloaded on the Google Play Store application and the Apps Store.

Reviewed by : dr. Rais Syaeful Haq, Sp.U