Friday, December 31, 2010

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-causes, diagnosis and treatment

BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA(BPH)

: BPH is a health condition characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland. In the male reproductive system, prostate gland is located which is very small in size. Prostate gland is located below the bladder and in the front of rectum. The Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
is the enlargement of the prostate of the prostate gland and it is not cancerous. This enlargement of the prostate gland mainly occurs with old age. The enlargement of the prostate gland does not create any problem but when it becomes large enough to put pressure on urethra and this causes the thickening of the walls of the bladder. It generally happened in men who are in their late sixties or seventies.

CAUSES OF PROSTATE GLAND


: it include growth of cells i.e. hyperplasia. The reason behind this growth of cells may include androgens i.e. male hormones, estrogens and growth factors. The enlargement of prostate gland or benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH causes several problems. The symptoms of enlarged prostate may differ from person to person. The common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH include increased frequency of urination, increase in urgency, leaking, increased frequency of urination in night, difficulty in urinating. Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH or enlarged prostate may also cause urinary tract infection.


Dianosis and Treatment : It is very important to diagnose the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH or enlarged prostate to start the effective treatment. This diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is done by the urologist- a specialized doctor on male reproductive system and urinary tract. An urologist may suggest you to do following tests.
1) International prostate symptom score (IPSS) or AUA symptom index - some questions about specific urinary symptoms associated benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH or enlarged prostate.
2) Digital Rectal Examination – This examination helps a doctor to know about the size and condition of prostate gland.
3) Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test – PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland and if the level of this protein is increase in the blood, it is an indication of prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH or enlarged prostate.
4) Urinalysis – a test to find the presence of an infection.
5) If the result of the above tests shows that you are having benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH or enlarged prostate than following tests are done to confirm the disease. These tests include urinary flow study, imaging tests, cystoscopy etc.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) or enlarged prostate may not required any kind of treatment and can be monitored for any sign of other problems. If BPH cause an urinary tract infection than it can be treated with the help of antibiotics. There are various treatments available for enlarged prostate which include medications and lastely surgery. There are two types of medications available for the treatment of enlarged prostate which are "alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers" and "5-alpha reductase inhibitors". Amongst the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, the generic avodart (Dutasteride) works wonder. The active constituent of generic avodart is the dutasteride. The generic avodart (dutasteride) can prevent the prostate gland from growing larger. Surgery is often recommended for the removal of the enlarged portion of the prostate gland. The surgical procedure include “transurethral surgery”, “laser surgery”, “photoselective vaporization of the prostate”, “interstitial laser coagulation” and open surgery.

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