About the Condition
The prostate is a small gland found only in men and is located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra.
The prostate’s primary function is to produce seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm. For men above the age of 50, hormonal changes may cause the prostate to enlarge. The enlarged prostate presses on the urethra and causes problems with urine flow as well as discomfort.
The condition, if untreated, may cause the bladder to thicken and stretch out of shape and, become less efficient in emptying urine. There may also be a higher risk of urinary infections, urinary stones and kidney damage.
Symptoms and Detection
Symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (enlargement) include:
- not being able to empty the bladder
- frequent urination (especially at night)
- weak or interrupted urine flow
- urgent need to urinate
- difficulty in starting urination and having to strain to urinate
Screening and Testing
Benign prostate hyperplasia (enlargement) can be diagnosed through the following clinical findings and laboratory tests.
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Digital rectal examination
Your doctor will examine the prostate through the rectum for any abnormalities.
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Urine analysis and urine flow test
A urine analysis and simple urine flow test will be carried out.
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Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level
A blood test for PSA, a substance produced by the prostate to liquefy semen, is carried out to exclude the possibility of prostate cancer.
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Ultrasound
An ultrasound will be performed to examine your kidneys, bladder and prostate.
Other more sophisticated or invasive tests, such as x-rays, cystoscopy (looking directly at the prostate through a small tube inserted through the urethra) or even a biopsy of the prostate may be carried if necessary.
Risk Factors and Causes
The cause of benign prostate hyperplasia (enlargement) is not known although it is believed that hormonal changes in later life is a possible cause.
These risk factors include:
- Age (over 50 years old)
- Race
- Family history of benign prostate hyperplasia (enlargement)
Prevention
As the exact cause is not clear, it is not entirely possible to prevent the disease from occurring. A change in lifestyle, i.e. having a balanced diet and becoming physically active, may help. Avoiding or limiting stimulants that increase urine production and irritate the bladder may help relieve symptoms.
Treatment Options
The need for and choice of treatment would depend on the severity of the symptoms.
Your doctor will assess your cancer profile and recommend one of the following treatment options:-
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Medication
Prostate muscle relaxants are prescribed to loosen the prostate muscles to help in urination. Hormone suppressors are prescribed to block the hormone that causes prostate enlargement and act to shrink the prostate, thereby allowing urine to flow more easily.
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Surgery
Surgery is offered as a treatment if there is significant blockage to the bladder.
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One method is Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), where part of the prostate is removed to allow for free passage of the urine from the bladder.
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Another method is microwave thermotherapy. This is usually offered to patients who do not have significant blockage to the bladder but are still bothered by their symptoms in spite of medication.
