15 March 2019 The prostate is a gland found only in men , located in the part of the urethra (the tube through which urine comes out of the bladder to the outside of the body) responsible for the production of part of the semen. Obesity and a diet rich in fat or red meat appear to be factors that contribute to the benign growth of this gland, but the etiology is not clarified. What are the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia? The increase in prostatic volume may make it difficult to pass urine, leading to, among other things, the characteristic symptoms of BPH , which are: Weak urinary flow; Difficulty in starting urination; Feeling that the bladder has not been fully emptied; An increase in the number of times you urinate every day, particularly at night; Urinary urgency and incontinence. The retention of urine in the bladder can contribute to recurrent urinary infections or the formation of kidney stones. In extreme cases, BPH can lead to total obstruction of the urethra so urine cannot pass through, a condition known as urinary retention . This condition, where a person becomes unable to urinate, constitutes a medical emergency and requires catheterisation to enable the bladder to be emptied and avoid deterioration in renal function. How is benign prostate hyperplasia diagnosed? The most important factors for diagnosing BPH are: The patient symptoms evaluated with a questionnaire (IPSS); The characteristics of the prostate as assessed by a digital rectal examination, in particular the following elements: Increased volume; Elastic consistency; Absence of palpable nodules; Erosion of the median groove. The uroflowmetry results, an exam that allows the evaluation of the volume urinated, speed and duration of the urinary stream, as well as, evaluation of the volume of urine that is retained in the bladder after urination;. Other factors can help confirm a diagnosis , such as: Measuring PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels; Supra-public ultrasound scan. PSA is a molecule produced by the prostate that contributes to the liquefaction of semen ; it also circulates in the body and its concentration can be measured by blood tests. Benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer and inflammation of the prostate , known as prostatitis, can all lead to increased total PSA values. While elevated levels of total PSA are not synonymous with cancer , you should visit your doctor in order for its cause can be determined. How is benign prostate hyperplasia treated? The objectives of BPH therapy are to alleviate the obstruction caused by enlargement of the prostatic gland, together with the resulting symptoms , with drugs or surgery, which may be carried out via the urethra or the abdomen. The most appropriate therapeutic option will depend on various factors, including: Symptomatology; Prostatic volume; The presence of complications associated with BPH, such as bladder stones, recurring urinary infections, blood in urine, bladder diverticula or catheterisation as a result of urinary retention. Each treatment has different benefits and adverse effects , and you should therefore consult your doctor with regard to the best option for your particular needs and clinical condition. At the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, you can find Urology specialists who will carry out the necessary examinations and procedures in this area. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
