Enlarged Prostate Treatment in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a condition that affects many men as they age. While not cancerous, BPH can lead to troublesome urinary symptoms, affecting quality of life. If you're struggling with frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, or a weak urine stream, you may be dealing with BPH. Fortunately, treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve your comfort. At Sunmed Hospital, we specialize in diagnosing and treating BPH with a range of effective, modern treatments.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH refers to the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder. As the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra, restricting the flow of urine. This leads to a variety of urinary symptoms such as frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night, a weak or interrupted urine stream, and difficulty emptying the bladder completely. BPH is most common in men over 50 and becomes more prevalent as men age.

Causes and Risk Factors of BPH

The exact cause of BPH remains unclear, but there are several factors that can contribute to its development:

• Age: As men age, the likelihood of developing BPH increases. It’s a condition commonly seen in men over the age of 50, with symptoms typically becoming more pronounced after age 60.
• Hormonal changes: An imbalance of sex hormones, particularly testosterone and estrogen, may promote prostate growth. Changes in these hormones as men age can lead to BPH.
• Family history: Genetics may play a role in the development of BPH. If your father or brothers had it, you might be at higher risk.
• Lifestyle factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, and a poor diet may increase the risk of developing BPH.
• Chronic health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are known to increase the risk of developing BPH.

Symptoms of BPH

BPH symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and they can greatly impact your daily life. Common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination: This is especially noticeable at night, known as nocturia, which can disrupt your sleep.
• Weak urine stream: Difficulty starting urination and a stream that feels weak or intermittently stops.
• Urgency to urinate: A sudden and strong urge to go, often leading to accidents if not addressed quickly.
• Incomplete bladder emptying: Feeling like you haven't fully emptied your bladder after urinating.
• Straining during urination: Using more effort than usual to urinate, which can cause discomfort.
• Pain or burning sensation during urination: While uncommon, some men experience discomfort during urination, often due to complications.

Complications of BPH

If left untreated, BPH can lead to severe complications:

• Urinary retention: A sudden inability to urinate, which may require catheterization or even surgery to relieve the blockage.
• Bladder damage: Prolonged urinary retention can weaken the bladder muscles, causing them to lose their ability to contract properly.
• Kidney damage: Blocked urine flow can back up into the kidneys, potentially causing kidney damage or infections.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Incomplete emptying of the bladder increases the risk of bacterial growth, leading to infections.
• Bladder stones: These can form when urine remains in the bladder for too long, leading to painful and difficult urination.

Diagnosis of BPH

To diagnose BPH, your doctor will typically begin with a physical examination and may recommend one or more of the following:

• Medical history and physical exam: This includes a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the size of your prostate and feel for any abnormalities.
• Urinalysis: This test checks for infection, blood, or other abnormalities in the urine.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: Measures the levels of PSA in the blood, which can help rule out prostate cancer or other issues.
• Ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging technique that allows your doctor to visualize your prostate and assess its size.
• Uroflowmetry: Measures the speed and volume of your urine flow, helping identify any blockages in the urethra.
• Post-void residual volume test: Determines how much urine remains in the bladder after urination, which can point to prostate enlargement.

Treatment Options for BPH

Treatment for BPH depends on the severity of symptoms and the overall health of the patient. Here are some of the most common approaches:

Medications

• Alpha-blockers: These medications relax the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
• 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: These medications reduce the size of the prostate by blocking the hormone responsible for prostate growth. It can take several months for these medications to show their full effect.
• Combination therapy: For men with more severe symptoms, a combination of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may be prescribed for better symptom control.
• Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: These medicines are typically used for erectile dysfunction and help relax the prostate and bladder muscles, improving urination.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

For those who do not respond to medications or have moderate to severe symptoms, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended:

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This is the gold standard surgery for BPH. The surgeon removes excess prostate tissue through the urethra using a special instrument.
• Laser therapy: Various types of laser treatments, like Holmium laser enucleation, use light to vaporize or shrink prostate tissue, reducing blockage.

Surgical Options

In more severe cases, surgery may be required:

• Open Prostatectomy: In cases of significant prostate enlargement, surgeons may remove a portion of the prostate through an incision made in the abdomen. This is generally a last-resort option due to its higher risk and longer recovery time.
• Simple prostatectomy: A less invasive option for extremely enlarged prostates, this surgery involves removing part of the prostate through the abdomen or perineum.

Watchful Waiting

In some cases, if symptoms are mild, doctors may recommend a “wait-and-see” approach. Monitoring the condition with regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient, particularly for those with only mild symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage BPH

Along with medical treatment, certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall prostate health:

• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help avoid urinary tract irritation.
• Avoiding bladder irritants: Limit caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods, all of which can worsen urinary symptoms.
• Regular physical activity: Regular exercise, including pelvic floor exercises, helps strengthen bladder muscles and improves urinary function.
• Bladder training: Try to urinate at scheduled times throughout the day to avoid the constant urge to go.

Why Choose Sunmed Hospital for BPH Treatment

At Sunmed Hospital, we offer comprehensive care for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) with a team of experienced urologists who specialize in personalized treatment plans. We provide a variety of advanced treatment options, from medications to minimally invasive procedures and surgeries, ensuring optimal outcomes for every patient. Our patient-centered approach ensures you receive the best care from your first consultation to post-treatment support, prioritizing your comfort and well-being. With state-of-the-art facilities and the latest diagnostic tools, we ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments with minimal recovery time. Additionally, we offer affordable care with transparent pricing and work with insurance providers to make your treatment accessible. Choose Sunmed Hospital for BPH treatment and enjoy a healthier, symptom-free life.

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