The prostate is located just below the male bladder and tightly surrounds the urethra. It begins to grow during puberty under the influence of male hormones and continues to enlarge, but the urethra does not widen as the prostate enlarges.
Thus, as men age, they generally experience varying degrees of benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is the most common benign disease causing urinary difficulties in elderly men.
02 What are the common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Frequent Urination, Urinary Urgency
Frequent urination is one of the early typical symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, characterized by an increased number of daytime urinations; usually accompanied by an urgent need to visit the restroom.
Nocturia
The frequency of nocturia starts from 1-2 times and can progress to 4-5 times or even more, severely affecting sleep quality.
Hesitation, Straining to Urinate
Urination starts slowly and progresses from straining to difficulty in urination; it may even require pushing on the abdomen to increase abdominal pressure to help with urination.
Feeling of Incomplete Emptying, Post-Micturition Dribble
Typically manifested as dribbling and a lingering sensation after urinating.
Repeated Hematuria
As the duration of benign prostatic hyperplasia extends, there may be repeated occurrences of bloody urine, with the urine color changing to bright or dark red, and even including blood clots.
Urinary Retention
As the prostate enlarges to a certain extent, it completely blocks the urethra, leading to an inability to urinate, which people refer to as "being literally killed by the inability to urinate." During the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia, patients may experience straining, difficulty urinating, or even inability to urinate on their own. When the bladder is in a state of full retention for a long time, a small amount of urine may involuntarily leak from the urethral opening, known as overflow incontinence.
Repeated Urinary Tract Infections
When urine cannot be completely expelled and remains in the bladder, secondary urinary tract infections can occur, presenting with symptoms like painful urination and urinary urgency. If upper urinary tract infections occur, symptoms can include fever and back pain.
Bladder Stones
Prolonged retention of urine in the bladder, if not expelled, can lead to the formation of urinary crystals and eventually bladder stones.
Kidney Damage
Benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause urinary tract obstruction, preventing urine produced by the kidneys from smoothly entering the bladder, ultimately leading to hydronephrosis and kidney damage.
03 How is benign prostatic hyperplasia diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves symptoms such as frequent urination, urinary urgency, nocturia, and difficulty urinating; digital rectal examination; urinalysis; blood tests; ultrasound examination; and uroflowmetry.
04 Can benign prostatic hyperplasia be prevented and delayed?
(1) Quit smoking and drinking, eat less spicy food: Limit intake of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages to reduce irritation to the prostate, maintain a balanced diet, and consume plenty of vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes and apples.
(2) Manage hydration and avoid holding urine: Drink no less than 1500 milliliters of water daily, urinating every 2-3 hours.
(3) Reduce prolonged sitting and engage in scientific exercise: Avoid sitting for more than 2 hours continuously, including long periods of cycling or motorbiking. It is recommended to engage in jumping exercises to promote metabolism, such as skipping, squat jumps, and stationary jumps.
(4) Ensure adequate rest, avoid staying up late and irregular schedules.
(5) Avoid taking medications containing antihistamines or decongestants such as cold and allergy medications.
05 How is benign prostatic hyperplasia treated?
The treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia depends on the severity of the condition; some patients may only need observation, while others may require medication. If surgical indications are met, surgery can improve symptoms. Common surgical methods include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and transurethral incision of the prostate. Patients should follow their doctor's guidance for medication or surgical treatment to help relieve the constraints on the prostate.
Do not endure in silence, pay attention to prostate health, and through scientific treatment and self-management, better manage benign prostatic hyperplasia.
