I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes five years ago, and I've had to make considerable changes to my lifestyle to maintain my health since I was diagnosed. I started this blog to share my experience of coming to terms with having type 2 diabetes and what I've learned on my personal journey. I share details of the lifestyle changes I've made, including giving up smoking and eating more wholefoods, and my personal experience of using alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. I also post about new treatments that are becoming available for type 2 diabetes. I hope you find my blog useful and informative.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a serious condition that is characterised by enlargement of the prostate gland. As the urethra, which is the tube that transports urine from the bladder, runs through the prostate, an enlarged prostate can cause a urinary blockage by putting pressure on the urethra. This can damage the kidneys and bladder and cause significant pain when left untreated. Elderly males are more prone to developing BPH than those under the age of fifty, but the condition can affect men of any age. The cause of BPH is not fully understood, but changes to the endocrine system that occur as a natural part of aging are thought to play a role in the development of the condition for some men. BPH is also more common in men who have a family history of prostate problems and those who are obese.
Symptoms
Those with BPH typically experience an increased need to urinate during the night and sudden feelings of urgency to empty their bladder. However, it can be difficult to completely empty the bladder, as the flow of urine may start and stop, and this can cause lower abdominal pain. When BPH isn't treated promptly, sufferers may notice blood in their urine and experience extended periods of being unable to urinate. This can lead to a urinary tract infection developing.
Diagnosis And Treatment
Your doctor will make their diagnosis by taking details of your symptoms and examining your prostate to determine if it is bigger than it should be. A prostate exam involves the doctor inserting a gloved finger into your rectum to palpate the prostate gland. A urine sample will also be taken to check for bacterial infection in your urinary tract. Additionally, blood samples will be obtained to check the health of your kidneys and to determine if you have raised levels of a specific antigen that is typically triggered when the prostate becomes enlarged.
Your doctor will recommend a treatment approach based on the severity of your symptoms. Hormone-suppressing medication can be used to shrink your prostate, and muscle relaxants can help improve the flow of urine from your bladder. However, surgery is often required to gain permanent relief from BPH. The procedure is carried out using laser surgery techniques, which makes it a minimally invasive surgery. Your doctor will use a small laser to remove excess prostate tissue that's pressing on the urethra, and the tissue will be analysed for the presence of abnormal cells and bacteria. The surgery is carried out using a general anaesthetic, but you can usually go home the same day. To learn more about laser prostate surgery, contact a doctor.
If you think you might be suffering from BPH, discuss your symptoms with your doctor as soon as possible to prevent damage to your kidneys.
Share