Prostate Enlargement
What are BPH, BPE and BPO?
The benign growth of the prostate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and affects all men of a certain age to a certain extent. As a rule, diseases of the prostate occur in men from the age of 50. Hormonal changes that occur at an advanced age are responsible for this. In around 50% of these men, BPH can lead to benign prostate enlargement (BPE). As a result of this enlargement, the flow of urine can become obstructed, a condition known as benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Around half of all men with BPE will develop BPO sooner or later. The distinction between these three conditions is often very confusing for laymen and, as they are very similar, the names are often used interchangeably. Nevertheless, benign prostatic hyperplasia in all its possible forms is a frequently diagnosed condition. It is important to know that there is a clear distinction from prostate cancer. Even without treatment, BPE can never develop into prostate cancer. However, it can happen that benign prostate enlargement and cancer develop in parallel.
The symptoms that affect the lower urinary tract are often perceived as very disturbing by those affected. The problems are caused by the enlarged prostate gland impinging on the urethra and bladder.
The symptoms can be mild and range from frequent urination to difficulty emptying the bladder completely. Emptying the bladder then occurs intermittently or in the form of a weak dribble and is often only possible by straining. Another problem is nocturia, a single or increased waking up at night with the urge to urinate. A very strong urge to urinate, which often cannot be suppressed, can result in involuntary loss of urine (incontinence). The symptoms of BPE described above are also referred to as male LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms). However, LUTS do not always have to be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia; there are other diseases that can also lead to LUTS. However, many patients come to terms with these problems and accept that they are part of the normal ageing process, such as a decline in mobility or slight memory loss. In these cases, there may be no need for treatment at all.
However, if the symptoms have a negative impact on quality of life and severely restrict those affected, treatment may be helpful.
Drug treatment
Treatment with medication to treat LUTS is an option if the symptoms are perceived as disturbing and lead to an impairment of quality of life. Different groups of medication are available for the treatment of BPH and should be discussed with the treating doctor after a detailed examination. A suitable treatment plan can be drawn up together.
Surgical treatment
The main aim of surgery is to improve urinary flow and reduce the disturbing symptoms in order to improve the patient’s quality of life. There are various surgical procedures and it is important to find out which one is suitable for the patient.
Do you suffer from prostate problems?
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