Prostate Enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia)

Prostate enlargement medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is one of the common health conditions that occur in men after a certain age (after approx. 48 years old in India). That causes various difficulties in urination like frequent urination, weak urine stream, etc.

Basic knowledge of Prostate Enlargement

The prostate gland is located in men below the urinary bladder (which stores urine) and surrounds the urethra tube (through which urine comes out from the bladder). This gland plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system. It produces seminal fluid, the liquid that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation.

It’s a natural process the size of the gland increases with age. Because the size of the prostate gland increases, it constricts the muscles of the urinary bladder and tube. After a certain age, it causes various difficulties in urination.

Hope you understand the basic concept of prostate enlargement.

Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement

Difficulties in urination like-

• Frequent Urination: The urge to urinate more often, especially during the night, can disrupt sleep and daily routines.
• Urgency: A sudden, compelling need to urinate can be both inconvenient and uncomfortable.
• Weak Urine Stream: The force of the urine stream may decrease, making urination less efficient.
• Difficulty Initiating and Stopping Urination: Men with BPH may struggle to start and stop urination, leading to incomplete emptying of the bladder.
• Dribbling: After urination, some men may experience dribbling, which can be frustrating and embarrassing.

Causes of Prostate Enlargement

Some theories suggest that hormonal changes, particularly an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, may play a role. Genetics also seem to have a say in who is more likely to develop BPH.

There are no proper proven causes of prostate enlargement.

Diagnosis of Prostate Enlargement

The road to managing prostate enlargement begins with an accurate diagnosis. Healthcare professionals employ several tools for this purpose, including:

1. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical examination in which a doctor uses a gloved finger to assess the size and condition of the prostate.
2. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: A blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate enlargement or other prostate-related issues.
3. Imaging Studies: Ultrasounds, transrectal ultrasounds (TRUS), and MRI scans can provide detailed images of the prostate to assess its size and condition.

*DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only. Do not use any medicine on the basis of this article. Always consult with the doctor before use. Learn more.*

Treatment Options for Prostate Enlargement:

Treatment for prostate enlargement is tailored to the individual’s symptoms and their impact on daily life. Some common approaches include:

1. Watchful Waiting: In cases of mild symptoms, a “watch and wait” strategy may be employed, where the condition is monitored without immediate intervention.
2. Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary changes, fluid intake adjustments, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help manage symptoms.
3. Medications: Various medications can alleviate symptoms by relaxing the prostate or reducing its size.
4. Minimally Invasive Procedures: For more severe cases, minimally invasive procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser therapy can provide relief.
5. Surgery: In extreme cases, surgical options like prostatectomy may be considered to remove part or all of the enlarged prostate.

Medications for the treatment of Prostate Enlargement

Medicines are used for the treatment of the symptoms of prostate enlargement in men. Here we shared the names of some branded medicines, which are normally prescribed by Indian doctors.

Drug	Brand Name
Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 0.4mg	Veltam 0.4 Tablets Dynapres 0.4 Capseules Urimax 0.4 Capsules Contiflo icon 0.4 Tablet
Tamsulosin 0.4mg + Dutasteride 0.5mg	Urimax D Tablet Veltam Plus Tablet Tamdura Capsule Contiflo D Capsule
Tamsulosin 0.4mg + Finasteride 5mg	Urimax F Capsule Veltam F Tablet Flokind-F Tablet Contiflo OD F Tablet
Tamsulosin 0.4mg + Tadalafil 5mg	Contiflo T Capsule

References:

1. Nickel, J. C. (2008). BPH: Costs and treatment outcomes. The American journal of managed care, 14(4 Suppl), S108-14.
2. Roehrborn, C. G., & McConnell, J. (2008). Etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and natural history of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Urologic clinics of North America, 35(1), 1-8.
3. AUA Practice Guidelines Committee. (2018). AUA guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Retrieved from https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-(bph)-guideline