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What is prostate enlargement (BPH)?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland below the bladder in men. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out. With age, the prostate slowly grows. This non-cancerous growth is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As it enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra and make the bladder work harder.
Many men put up with these symptoms for years, assuming they are simply part of getting older. But broken sleep from night-time trips to the toilet, and worry about finding a toilet when out, affect quality of life, and effective help is available.
BPH is extremely common: a large share of men over 60 have some symptoms. The size of the prostate doesn't always match how bad the symptoms are; some men with large glands have few problems, and vice versa.
Symptoms
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- A weak or interrupted stream
- Difficulty starting to pass urine, or straining
- Dribbling at the end
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
- Urgency: a sudden, strong need to go
Causes and risk factors
- Age: the main risk factor; symptoms usually start after 50
- Hormonal changes with ageing
- Family history
- Obesity, diabetes, heart disease and inactivity
Some medicines, such as certain cold and allergy tablets, can make symptoms worse or trigger retention. Drinking a lot of fluid late in the evening, alcohol, and long car journeys without toilet breaks can also bring on sudden difficulty in older men with an enlarged prostate.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if urinary symptoms bother you or disturb your sleep. Seek urgent care if you have:
- Inability to pass urine with a painful, swollen lower belly
- Blood in the urine
- Fever with burning urine
- Pain in the back or sides, or reduced urine output
Urinary retention is an emergency. Come to the hospital straight away or call 93196 62944 (24×7).
How BPH is diagnosed at Samrijo
- Symptom score questionnaire (IPSS) and a bladder diary
- Examination, including a gentle digital rectal examination to feel the prostate
- Urine test for infection and blood; PSA blood test and kidney function in the in-house lab
- Ultrasound to measure prostate size and urine left in the bladder after voiding.
- Uroflowmetry to measure the strength of your stream.
Treatment options
Which prostate procedures are done at Samrijo, and by which urologist, is being confirmed.
What to expect after a procedure
Hospital stay
Usually a short stay of one to a few days, with a catheter for a short time.
First weeks
Some burning, frequency and pink urine are common. Drink plenty of water, avoid straining, heavy lifting and cycling for a few weeks.
Follow-up
A check of your flow and symptoms after a few weeks. Report fever, clots or inability to pass urine at once. Recovery varies from person to person.
BPH or prostate cancer: how are they told apart?
Many men worry that urinary symptoms mean cancer. Usually, they don't: BPH is far more common. Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all, and when symptoms do appear they can look just like BPH. That is why the doctor may suggest:
- A PSA blood test. PSA can be raised by BPH, infection or cancer, so it is interpreted together with your age, prostate size and examination.
- A digital rectal examination to feel for hard areas or irregularity.
- Further tests, such as an MRI of the prostate or a biopsy, only if these results raise concern. You would be referred to a urology or cancer specialist if needed.
Having BPH does not increase your risk of prostate cancer, but both can exist together, so regular check-ups matter as you get older.
Questions to ask your doctor
- How large is my prostate, and how much urine is left after I go?
- Is my PSA normal for my age, and do I need it repeated?
- Which medicine do you suggest, what side effects should I watch for, and how soon should it work?
- At what point would you recommend a procedure, and what are the effects on sexual function?
Self-help tips
- Reduce fluids 2 hours before bed, but drink enough during the day.
- Cut down on tea, coffee and alcohol, which irritate the bladder.
- "Double voiding": wait a moment after passing urine and try again.
- Avoid constipation, which presses on the bladder.
- Check with your doctor before taking cold and allergy medicines.
- Stay active and keep a healthy weight.
- Take your time in the toilet: sitting down to pass urine helps some men empty more completely.
- Keep a simple bladder diary before your visit: times, amounts and night-time trips. It helps the doctor choose the right treatment.
Why choose Samrijo Hospital
- 24×7 hospital for urinary retention and bleeding.
- Lab and ultrasound in the same building: PSA, urine and kidney tests.
- Step-by-step care: medicines first, procedures when needed.
Cost of prostate treatment
Cost depends on tests, whether medicines are enough, the procedure (TURP or laser), stay and insurance. Call 93196 62944 for an estimate.
प्रोस्टेट बढ़ने (BPH) का इलाज, बुराड़ी
उम्र बढ़ने के साथ पुरुषों में प्रोस्टेट ग्रंथि बढ़ जाती है, जिसे BPH कहते हैं। यह कैंसर नहीं है, लेकिन यह पेशाब की नली को दबा सकती है। बार-बार पेशाब आना (ख़ासकर रात में), धार कमज़ोर होना, पेशाब शुरू करने में दिक्कत, बूँद-बूँद आना और पूरी तरह ख़ाली न होने का एहसास इसके आम लक्षण हैं।
Samrijo Hospital, बुराड़ी में पेशाब, PSA ब्लड टेस्ट और अल्ट्रासाउंड से जाँच की जाती है। हल्के लक्षणों में जीवनशैली में बदलाव और दवाइयाँ ही काफ़ी होती हैं। दवाइयों से आराम न मिले या पेशाब रुक जाए, तो TURP या लेज़र जैसी प्रक्रिया की सलाह दी जा सकती है। पेशाब पूरी तरह रुक जाए और पेट में दर्द हो, तो यह इमरजेंसी है: तुरंत अस्पताल आएँ।
अपॉइंटमेंट के लिए कॉल करें: 93196 62944।
Frequently asked questions
Is an enlarged prostate the same as prostate cancer?
No. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement that is very common with age. BPH does not turn into cancer, but both can exist together, which is why your doctor may suggest a PSA blood test and examination.
Do all men with BPH need surgery?
No. Many men with mild symptoms need only lifestyle changes and monitoring. Medicines help a large number of men. Surgery is considered when symptoms are bothersome despite medicines, or when complications occur.
What is TURP?
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) removes the blocking part of the prostate through the urinary passage, without a cut on the skin. It is a well-established operation for BPH. Laser procedures are alternatives in some centres.
Will prostate surgery affect my sexual life?
Many men notice "dry" ejaculation (retrograde ejaculation) after TURP. Erections are usually not affected, though this varies. Your urologist will discuss these effects in detail before any procedure.
What is urinary retention?
It is a sudden inability to pass urine with a painful, full bladder. It is an emergency and is relieved by placing a catheter. Come to the hospital at once if this happens.
What does BPH treatment cost?
It depends on whether you need medicines or a procedure, the technique, stay and tests. Call 93196 62944 for an estimate.
प्रोस्टेट बढ़ने के लक्षण क्या हैं?
बार-बार पेशाब आना (ख़ासकर रात में), पेशाब की धार कमज़ोर होना, पेशाब शुरू करने में देर लगना, बूँद-बूँद आना और पूरी तरह ख़ाली न होने का एहसास इसके आम लक्षण हैं।
क्या प्रोस्टेट का इलाज दवाइयों से हो सकता है?
हाँ, बहुत से पुरुषों को दवाइयों से अच्छा आराम मिलता है। दवाइयों से फ़ायदा न हो या पेशाब रुकने जैसी समस्या हो, तो ऑपरेशन की सलाह दी जा सकती है।
Related treatments
This page is for general health information only. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Every patient is different, so please consult a qualified doctor about your own condition and treatment. Medical disclaimer.