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It can be pretty worrying when you experience symptoms that point to something as serious as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. It’s important, however, that you get checked out so that the right treatments and therapies can be prescribed. Let’s take a look at what BPH is and how it can be treated.
What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for the condition that’s commonly known as an enlarged prostate. BPH is a common problem that affects men at some stage during their adult life and is caused by the overgrowth of the prostate. The prostate is found near the bladder and can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Frequent Urination
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
- Blood in the Urine
- Painful Urination
Who Is at Risk of Developing BPH?
- Age: BPH most commonly affects men over the age of 60.
- Environmental Factors: Men who live in industrialized countries are more at risk of suffering from BPH.
- Heredity: If your father or brother suffered from BPH, the chances of you developing it too are higher.
Treatment Options for BPH
There are a number of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia treatment options available for men who suffer from BPH:
- Lifestyle Changes: Making changes to your diet and exercising regularly can help reduce symptoms.
- Medication: There are a number of medications available that can help treat BPH. These include alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, and antibiotics.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: If these treatments don’t work, then your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive procedure. This is an outpatient procedure and usually takes less than an hour to perform. The most common minimally invasive procedures are transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and laser vaporization of the prostate (LVP).
- Surgery: If all other treatments fail, then surgery may be recommended. This usually involves removing the enlarged area of the prostate and is known as a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
How to Maintain Prostate Health?
Taking steps to maintain your prostate health is important for reducing your risk of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and other prostate problems. Here are some tips for keeping your prostate healthy:
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help keep your body healthy and reduce the risk many health conditions, including BPH.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight is linked to a number of health conditions, including BPH, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce your alcohol intake: Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of prostate problems, so it’s important to keep your intake to a moderate level.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet of healthy, nutrient-rich foods can help keep your body healthy and reduce your risk of many health conditions, including BPH.
It’s important to remember that Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a common and treatable condition. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor so that the right treatment can be prescribed. With the appropriate treatment, you can manage your symptoms and maintain your prostate health.