Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Did you know that benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects more than 50% of men over the age of 50? If you’ve been experiencing bothersome urinary symptoms, BPH could be the culprit.
At Vein Doctors Sydney, we understand the importance of effective benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment.
Book an appointment with our specialists today
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous condition characterised by the enlargement of the prostate gland in men. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine flows out of the body.
As men age, the prostate naturally undergoes growth, and in some cases, this enlargement can lead to compression of the urethra, causing urinary difficulties. BPH is a common condition, particularly in older men, and can result in various urinary symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
While BPH is not a life-threatening condition, it is essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management of symptoms to prevent potential complications.
Causes of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Some of the key factors believed to be involved in the development of BPH include:
- Age: BPH is most commonly observed in older men, and the likelihood of developing the condition increases with age. As men approach their 40s and 50s, the prostate gland starts to enlarge naturally.
- Hormonal Changes: The balance of hormones, particularly testosterone and estrogen, in the male body, plays a crucial role in prostate health. As men age, the levels of certain hormones shift, leading to increased cellular growth in the prostate.
- Family History: There may be a genetic component to the development of BPH. If a man has a family history of BPH, he may have a higher risk of developing the condition himself.
- Testosterone: Testosterone, a male sex hormone, is converted into a more potent form known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate. DHT is involved in the growth and maintenance of prostate tissue, and an excess of DHT can contribute to prostate enlargement.
- Chronic Inflammation: Chronic inflammation of the prostate, also known as chronic prostatitis, has been linked to an increased risk of developing BPH. Inflammation may stimulate cellular growth and lead to prostate enlargement.
While these factors are associated with the development of BPH, it’s important to note that not all men will experience prostate enlargement, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely.
Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia
The severity and specific symptoms can vary from person to person, but common symptoms of BPH include:
- Frequent Urination: With overactive bladder symptoms, you may find yourself needing to urinate more often than usual, especially during the night (nocturia).
- Urgency: There might be a sudden and compelling urge to urinate, which may be difficult to delay.
- Weak Urine Stream: The force of the urine flow may be weaker than usual and may start and stop intermittently.
- Difficulty Initiating Urination: You may have trouble starting the flow of urine, or there might be a delay before urine begins to pass.
- Incomplete Emptying: After urination, you may feel as though your bladder is not completely empty.
- Straining During Urination: You might experience the need to push or strain while urinating.
- Dribbling: After urination is complete, there could be some post-void dribbling or leaking.
- Urinary Retention: In severe cases, BPH can lead to urinary retention, where you are unable to urinate at all.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): BPH can increase the risk of UTIs due to incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Erectile dysfunction: Men with BPH may also experience erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory problems.
Risks of benign prostatic hyperplasia
While benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) itself is not a life-threatening condition, untreated or severe cases can lead to several risks and potential complications. Some of the risks associated with BPH include:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): BPH can obstruct the flow of urine, leading to incomplete bladder emptying. This stagnant urine can create a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of UTIs.
- Bladder Stones: Incomplete bladder emptying can also lead to the formation of bladder stones (calculi). These stones can cause discomfort and may require medical intervention to remove them.
- Acute Urinary Retention: Severe enlargement of the prostate may result in acute urinary retention, a condition where you are unable to pass urine at all. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention to relieve the obstruction.
- Chronic Kidney Problems: Long-term obstruction of the urinary tract can affect kidney function and potentially lead to kidney damage or kidney failure.
- Bladder Damage: Chronic pressure from an enlarged prostate can weaken the bladder muscles over time, leading to decreased bladder function and capacity.
- Urinary Incontinence: Incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, may occur in some cases of BPH, particularly when the bladder is unable to hold urine due to compromised function.
- Impact on Quality of Life: BPH-related urinary symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, causing discomfort, inconvenience, and emotional distress.
Diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia
How is benign prostatic hyperplasia diagnosed? It typically involves a thorough evaluation.
The process may include the following steps:
- Medical History: The doctor will begin by taking your medical history, including any urinary symptoms you have been experiencing and their duration. They may also inquire about your overall health and any past medical conditions.
- Physical Examination: During a physical examination, the doctor may check your abdomen and perform a digital rectal examination (DRE). In a DRE, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the size and condition of the prostate gland.
- Urinalysis: A urine sample is collected and analyzed to check for signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities contributing to your symptoms.
- International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS): You may be asked to complete a questionnaire known as the IPSS, which assesses the severity of your urinary symptoms.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test may be conducted to measure the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and elevated levels can indicate prostate enlargement or other prostate conditions.
- Imaging Tests: Various imaging tests may be used to evaluate the size and condition of the prostate. These may include:
- Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): A probe is inserted into the rectum to create images of the prostate using sound waves.
- Uroflowmetry: This test measures the speed and volume of urine flow during voiding.
- Cystoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera (cystoscope) may be inserted into the urethra to visualize the prostate and bladder.
- Post-Void Residual (PVR) Measurement: This test measures the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination to assess how well the bladder empties.
Treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia
How is benign prostatic hyperplasia treated? The most common treatment options include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Making certain lifestyle modifications can help manage mild symptoms of BPH. These may include reducing fluid intake before bedtime, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, and staying physically active.
- Medications: There are several medications available to treat BPH, which work by relaxing the prostate muscles, reducing prostate size, or blocking hormones that contribute to prostate growth. Commonly prescribed medications include alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and combination therapy.
- Prostate Artery Embolisation: This minimally invasive procedure aims to relieve the obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate without major surgery. Book a consultation with Vein Doctors Sydney to discuss this option.
Cost of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment
The cost of BPH treatment varies based on the chosen approach. At Vein Doctors Sydney, we provide transparent cost breakdowns during consultations to help you make informed decisions.
After the initial consultation, we will also have a better indication of the type of treatments and how many treatment sessions may be required for the best results.
Please contact us for more information on costs.
Choose Vein Doctors Sydney for Your Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment
At Vein Doctors Sydney, you are in the capable hands of our highly trained team, dedicated to your well-being from the moment you step through our doors.
At Vein Doctors Sydney, we specialise in compassionate and comprehensive benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment. Our experienced team is dedicated to improving your quality of life through personalized care.
Rest assured, you’ll receive top-notch care and personalised attention throughout your journey with us.
How to schedule a consultation
For more information on our services and the cost of each service, or to schedule a consultation at our clinic, please contact us at one of the following:
- Call us on (02) 9023 9970
- Fax us at (02) 9023 9973
- Email us at info@veindoctorssydney.com
- Book online
Our Vein Clinics Locations in Sydney
Vein Doctors Sydney Manly
Suite 503, 39 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
Our Open Hours:
8:30 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
Vein Doctors Sydney St Leonards
North Shore Health Hub - Ground Floor, Rockwell Medical Centre, 7 Westbourne Street, St Leonards 2065
8:30am – 5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Vein Doctors Sydney Kingswood
Nepean Private Specialist Centre, Suite 3, 1A Barber Avenue, Kingswood 2747
Our Open Hours:
8:30 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
FAQs
If you require more information on vascular malformation treatment, please read our most frequently asked questions:
Is benign prostatic hyperplasia serious?
BPH is not life-threatening, but it can cause bothersome urinary symptoms that affect a person’s quality of life. Early intervention and proper management can help alleviate symptoms and prevent potential complications.
What happens if benign prostatic hyperplasia is left untreated?
If left untreated, BPH can lead to worsening urinary symptoms, increased risk of urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and in severe cases, urinary retention and kidney damage.
What is the most common cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia?
The most common cause of BPH is age-related hormonal changes, particularly an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that influences prostate growth.
What is the first-line treatment for BPH?
The first-line treatment for BPH often involves medications, such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which can help relieve symptoms and improve urine flow.
Is BPH a form of prostate cancer?
No, BPH is a non-cancerous condition, but it can cause bothersome urinary symptoms.
Is BPH a form of prostate cancer?
No, BPH is a non-cancerous condition, but it can cause bothersome urinary symptoms.
What is the recovery time after BPH surgery?
The recovery period varies based on the specific procedure, but your healthcare provider will guide you through the process.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.