Prostate Enlargement Symptoms
The cause of prostate enlargement is still not fully known. This disease, which occurs in later ages, is thought to be due to hormonal factors. Symptoms of prostate enlargement is as follows:- frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Inability to urinate completely
- urine leakage
- Seeing blood in the urine
- Urinary tract infection
What Causes Prostate Enlargement?
in previous times What causes prostate enlargement? There was no clear answer to the question. The reason for this is that it is not known exactly what the risk factors are. The most important information known about this subject is that this disease occurs in older men and that this disease will not be seen in male individuals whose testicles were removed for any reason before puberty. However, factors related to age and testicular function are thought to play an important role in the development of this disease.
While men produce male hormones throughout their lives, their bodies also contain a very small amount of the female hormone estrogen. As the active male hormone level begins to decrease with age, the estrogen hormone increases. prostate enlargement During its development, the estrogen hormone, which begins to appear more effectively in the prostate with aging, indicates that it triggers the development of some basic cells.
Another theory focuses on DHT, the active form of the male hormone. Some researchers have shown that while male hormone levels in the blood decrease with age, active hormone (DHT) levels increase and accumulate in the prostate. Increasing amounts of this active hormone are thought to trigger the development of prostate cells. Men who do not produce DHT hormone due to enzyme deficiency also prostate enlargement Its development also supports this theory.
On the other hand, some researchers think that chemical and genetic changes that occur in the early period of development may lead to the development of prostate hyperplasia, which will re-develop with age and trigger other factors.
How Does Prostate Enlargement Disease Progress?
Imperceptible changes and growth in the prostate gland begin after the ages of 35-40 and continue throughout life. This disease, known as the disease of the elderly, is a different disease than prostate cancer and does not turn into cancer unless treated.
It depends on the severity of the symptoms that occur in patients and the degree of compression of the growing prostate tissue and the urinary tract passing through the middle of the prostate gland. The more the prostate tissue compresses the urinary tract and prevents its passage, the more complaints the patient develops. An enlarged prostate gland is usually a benign disease. If treated, it is not life-threatening.
If left untreated, the enlarged prostate tissue continues to grow towards the urinary bladder, urinary tract and anus. This condition causes obstruction of the cervix and urinary tract and the bladder cannot fully empty the urine. He works harder and goes bankrupt after a while. Since urine cannot be expelled, it returns to the kidneys, causing swelling of the ureters (internal urinary tract) and kidneys (hydronephrosis). Urea in the urine mixes with the blood and uremia occurs. Kidney failure then occurs.
How is it diagnosed?
prostate enlargement, It is the most common cause of urinary problems, but there are other possible causes as well. For a correct diagnosis, the doctor first questions the patient's complaints. Afterwards, the medications used by the patient are also questioned. This is because the side effects of some medications may be similar to the symptoms seen in prostate enlargement. Afterwards, a general physical examination is performed and the prostate is examined manually. The doctor wears disposable gloves and evaluates the size and structure of the gland and the prostate through the anus using one finger.
With the urine sample taken from the patient, it is determined whether the patient has a prostate or urinary tract infection. Both of these conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of an enlarged prostate. However, other suspected diseases can also be checked.
To rule out prostate cancer, the prostate specific antigen value can be checked with a blood test. An increase in the PSA value indicates that the prostate gland has begun to grow along with prostate cancer. Urine flow rate test is also performed to measure how much urine the patient can urinate due to suspicion of prostate enlargement. A special measuring device designed for this measurement is used. Urinating into the device when the bladder is at its fullest is sufficient for measurement.
In addition to using diagnostic methods, ultrasound is used to look at how enlarged the prostate is. Ultrasound methods can also be used to see how much urine remains in the bladder after urination.
Diagnostic Methods Applied to Benign Prostate Enlargement
Treatment Options
Once the disease is diagnosed, treatment is determined based on the symptoms. If symptoms are mild, immediate treatment may not be recommended. Depending on the severity of symptoms, both medical and surgical treatment can be initiated. Since it is vital to treat some patients whose urinary bladder is completely closed and who have difficulty urinating, a catheter is first inserted and the bladder is emptied. After urine flow returns to normal, the prostate gland is reduced in size.
Before deciding on the treatment for non-emergency patients, it is very important to be informed about the various options, advantages and disadvantages. It should be known especially before the surgery, otherwise undesirable side effects and long-term complications may occur during surgical interventions. prostate enlargement Which treatment is suitable for you?
- the severity of complications,
- Presence of complications such as urinary tract infection,
- The decision can be made according to the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment method to be applied.
We can list the treatment options as follows;
- Follow-up: Patients with no symptoms and mild complaints should see a doctor at least once a year. In these patients, the doctor recommends a few changes in lifestyle and determines whether another treatment method is necessary. Approximately of patients are in this group.
- Herbal medicines: There are some herbal medicines that can be taken without a prescription to relieve the symptoms of patients with complaints. However, there has been no research on whether most of these drugs have any benefits or side effects. For this reason, its use is not recommended.
- Medical Drugs: The medications prescribed by the doctor are effective in relaxing the prostate and bladder muscles, thus making it easier for the patient who cannot urinate to urinate.
- Operations to Reduce Prostate Size: Surgeons who are experts in their field can remove or completely destroy prostate tissue using various surgical techniques. Possible reasons for surgery include urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, and severe symptoms that do not improve with medication. Some men may seek surgery for the reasons listed, after weighing the pros and cons of different treatment options. The most common side effect seen in patients after surgical interventions is the inability to ejaculate. Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are less common.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Enlargement
1-What Happens If Prostate Enlargement Is Not Treated?
If left untreated, the patient will continue to have urinary problems. In addition, recurrent urinary tract infections, bleeding in the urine, kidney dysfunction and bladder stones may occur in the future.
2-How to Prevent Prostate Enlargement?
While vegetables, polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, vitamin D and regular exercise reduce the risk of developing this disease, eating red meat, fat, carbohydrates and poultry increases the risk of BPH.
3-What Problems Does Prostate Enlargement Cause?
As the prostate grows, it puts pressure on and compresses the urethra. The bladder wall thickens. untreated in prostate enlargement Urinary problems continue. In later stages, recurrent urinary tract infections, bleeding in the urine, kidney dysfunction and bladder stones may occur.
4-Why does Prostate Enlargement (BPH) Occur?
It may occur for various reasons. The main reason is explained as the overreaction of the prostate to male hormones. The second factor is genetic predisposition. People with a family history of prostate enlargement are 4 times more likely to experience this problem. Environmental factors are also very important.
5-What Causes Prostate Enlargement?
When treatment for prostate enlargement is delayed, kidney failure, bladder stones, recurrent urinary tract infections, and bladder cancers may occur due to chronic irritations that may occur in the bladder due to bladder stones.
6-Can a Boy Who Had Prostate Surgery Have a Child?
