Prostate Enlargement (BPH)
Prostate Enlargement (BPH) Treatment
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, commonly known as BPH or enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that becomes increasingly common with age.
As the prostate enlarges, it may compress the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine.
Dr. Sumit Chaudhari provides evaluation and treatment for prostate enlargement at Usha Urology & Andrology Clinic in Pimple Saudagar, Pune.
What Is BPH?
The prostate is a gland located below the urinary bladder and surrounds part of the urethra. When the prostate increases in size, it can narrow the urinary passage and cause lower urinary tract symptoms.
BPH is not prostate cancer, although some symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer may overlap.
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate:
Common symptoms include:
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Interrupted urine flow
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Sudden urgency
- Waking several times at night to urinate
- Dribbling after urination
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
The severity of symptoms does not always correspond directly to prostate size.
What Causes BPH?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but age-related changes in the prostate and hormones play an important role. BPH becomes more common as men grow older.
Possible Complications:
Untreated or severe prostate obstruction may contribute to:
- Acute urinary retention
- Recurrent urinary infections
- Bladder stones
- Blood in urine
- Bladder dysfunction
- Kidney problems in selected severe cases
How Is BPH Diagnosed?
Evaluation may include:
- Discussion of urinary symptoms
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Digital rectal examination when appropriate
- Urine test
- PSA blood test where indicated
- Ultrasound
- Measurement of residual urine
- Uroflowmetry
- Kidney function tests
- Cystoscopy in selected patients
Tests are selected according to the patient’s symptoms and findings.
Treatment for Enlarged Prostate:
Treatment depends on symptom severity, prostate characteristics and the presence of complications.
1. Observation and Lifestyle Measures:
Patients with mild symptoms may sometimes be monitored.
Advice may include:
- Reducing excessive fluids before bedtime
- Limiting caffeine or alcohol where relevant
- Avoiding prolonged holding of urine
- Reviewing medicines that may worsen urinary symptoms
2. Medicines:
Medicines can help improve urinary symptoms by relaxing the prostate and bladder outlet or reducing prostate growth in selected patients.
3. Surgical Treatment:
Surgery may be considered when symptoms are severe, medicines are ineffective or complications develop. The surgical approach depends on prostate size, urinary obstruction, medical history and other individual factors.
When May Prostate Surgery Be Required?
Surgery may be considered for:
- Recurrent urinary retention
- Persistent severe urinary symptoms
- Recurrent infections due to obstruction
- Bladder stones associated with prostate obstruction
- Kidney or bladder complications
- Inadequate response to medicines
When Should You Consult a Urologist?
Consult a urologist if you notice:
- Weak urine flow
- Difficulty starting urination
- Frequent night-time urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Urinary urgency
- Blood in urine
- Recurrent urinary infections
Complete inability to pass urine requires urgent medical care.
BPH Treatment by Dr. Sumit Chaudhari:
Dr. Sumit Chaudhari provides evaluation for enlarged prostate and lower urinary tract symptoms at Usha Urology & Andrology Clinic in Pimple Saudagar.
Treatment is planned according to symptoms, investigations and the effect of prostate enlargement on the urinary system.
Frequently Asked Questions:
No. BPH is a benign or non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.
No. Some patients require monitoring or medicines, while surgery is considered for selected patients.
BPH can cause frequent night-time urination, but other bladder and medical conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Severe obstruction can sometimes cause acute urinary retention.
Tests may include urine analysis, PSA where indicated, ultrasound, uroflowmetry and measurement of residual urine.
Dr. Sumit Chaudhari provides prostate evaluation and BPH treatment planning at Usha Urology & Andrology Clinic, Pimple Saudagar, Pune.
Book an Appointment
If you have weak urine flow, frequent urination, night-time urination or difficulty emptying the bladder, consult Dr. Sumit Chaudhari for prostate evaluation.