If you're a man in your middle years, chances are you're familiar with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This condition is prevalent, affecting approximately 50% of men aged 50 and older - and this percentage increases significantly with age. While BPH isn't typically life-threatening, untreated BPH complications can lead to considerable discomfort and inconvenience. In this blog post, we delve into the danger of ignoring BPH symptoms and explore potential treatment avenues.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common prostate problems. It arises when the surrounding tissues in the prostate gland enlarge, disrupting the normal functioning of the urinary system. While BPH is commonly linked with middle-aged men, it can occur in younger men
Symptoms associated with BPH vary and can include:
Not all cases of BPH require treatment and many doctors will recommend watching and waiting. However, in more severe cases, BPH can impact both quality of life and overall health. Untreated BPH complications include:
For men with BPH, the enlarged prostate can block the flow of urine from the bladder, causing it to be retained inside for longer. This can lead to bacteria gathering in the bladder and causing a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can be uncomfortable and cause symptoms like fever, chills, and nausea. They can even lead to bladder stones. If you have BPH and think you have a UTI, it's important to see a doctor promptly to prevent further problems.
When bacteria invade the kidneys through the urinary tract, it can lead to kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis. BPH can heighten the risk of these infections because the enlarged prostate blocks urine flow, causing urine to stay in the bladder longer. When urine isn't fully emptied from the bladder, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria can then move up the urinary tract and infect the kidneys. Symptoms of a kidney infection may include fever, chills, back pain, and frequent urination.
Untreated BPH can also result in the development of kidney stones, characterized by solid deposits that originate within the kidneys. BPH heightens the likelihood of kidney stone formation due to the increased concentration of urine retained in the bladder. This concentrated environment fosters the creation of kidney stones. Symptoms associated with kidney stones may include severe pain in the back or side, nausea, vomiting, and the presence of blood in the urine.
Untreated BPH complications also include an overactive bladder, marked by sudden urges to urinate and involuntary bladder contractions causing frequent urination. The enlarged prostate presses on the bladder, making it more sensitive and prompting contractions even when it's not full. This can cause bladder fatigue, where the bladder muscles weaken, failing to contract fully and empty the bladder. With a weakening bladder, urgency to urinate and frequent bathroom trips, including nighttime awakenings, become common. An overactive bladder can greatly affect a man's daily life, making it hard to carry out regular activities and disrupting sleep.
In severe instances, BPH can result in the complete inability to urinate, a condition known as acute urinary retention (AUR). This happens when the enlarged prostate blocks the urethra, the tube responsible for expelling urine from the bladder. Consequently, urine cannot be emptied from the bladder, leading to discomfort and pain. AUR is a medical emergency necessitating immediate attention since it can harm the bladder and kidneys. Inserting a catheter to drain the urine and alleviate the blockage may be necessary. In certain cases, surgery might be required to remove or shrink the prostate to prevent future occurrences of AUR. Men with BPH must seek medical help if they encounter difficulty urinating or feel pain during urination, as timely treatment can prevent further complications like AUR.
Treating BPH effectively can alleviate discomfort and help avoid many associated risks. Regular visits to your doctor for screenings can help manage the condition before it worsens. Ignoring symptoms is not advisable because untreated BPH can lead to more severe complications over time. Seeking medical advice promptly enables earlier diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
Treating BPH involves a personalized approach. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, you might be prescribed medications to relax your prostate muscles and improve urine flow, or to release excess fluid from the prostate.
Moreover, there are minimally invasive techniques available such as PAE. In this procedure, a small catheter is inserted through the groin and directed to the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. Tiny chemical particles are then injected through the catheter to block the blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink. Typically performed under local anesthesia, most patients can return home the same day. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of PAE in alleviating BPH symptoms like urinary frequency and urgency while enhancing urinary flow. It is regarded as a safe and efficient alternative to traditional surgical interventions for BPH. However, PAE may not be suitable for all individuals with BPH, and it's crucial to discuss all treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable course of action.
Don’t suffer in silence
While many men resign themselves to the urinary problems caused by BPH as being part of the aging process, they may not realize help is available to improve their situation.
If your symptoms of BPH are getting you down, PAE could be the perfect solution to help you get your life back on track. Why not schedule a consultation with the experienced team at MINT STL to find out if PAE is right for you?
