Reports show that most of the older Indian men are suffering from Benign Prostate Enlargement(BPE) or Benign Prostate Hyperplasis(BPH). This condition of  enlargement of the prostate gland in men, is not a life threatening condition when detected at an early stage.

The ailment  can get easily treated with life style changes, medications and surgical procedures, such as, TURP. However, delayed diagnosis and treatment can make the simple ailment turn serious leading to cancers.

What are the factors leading to BPH or BPE?

Pin pointing reasons causing prostate enlargement or BPH/BPE is not possible. There is no fixed causative reason that can lead to the condition; however, hormonal changes in elderly men are taken to be one of the important reasons leading to this health condition.

Some studies say that an increase level of DHT leads to growth of prostate gland and hence the unwanted enlargement. DHT, dihydro testosterone one is a hormone that has increased secretion with age. Thus, higher levels of DHT leads to abnormal growth of prostate gland leading to BPH.

Again, some researchers suggest that increased level of oestrogen in men may lead to a similar condition. Younger males produce more of testosterone and small amounts of oestrogen. However, with age, testosterone production decreases while oestrogen levels increase. A level of oestrogen beyond permissible levels leads to multiple health disorders, one being the BPH.

Males already suffering from High blood pressure and diabetes remain prone to BPH and therefore frequent screenings are mandatory.

What are your treatment options of BPH?

Treating BPH depends on the severity of symptoms. Therefore, a thorough diagnosis is vital to decide if you require a TURP surgery or medications will resolve the condition.

Diagnosis usually involves discussing symptoms with your doctor. Your doctor will want to know about your urination frequency and if any pain is accompanied. Physical examinations, blood tests and urine tests may also be conducted.

Based on the reports and examinations, your doctor decides the treatment option. Medications are prescribed to restore hormonal balance that has changed. Some life style changes are also required to adopt to bring about quick and desired solutions.

If all of these measures fail to cure the ailment, TURP surgery is the most effective solution for BPH.

TURP Surgery – In Brief:

·         TURP – Transurethral Resection of the Prostate involves electro-surgical removal of the abnormal prostate growth
·         The procedure involves insertion of resectoscope into the urethra that transports urine from bladder to reach the penis
·         The entire process takes place under general anesthesia and therefore you do not feel the pain. Spinal anesthesia can also be used that does not drives you to sleep and only numbs the lower segment of your body.
·         The resectoscope removes extra tissue attached to prostate after being heated with electric current
·         Thereafter, a catheter will be inserted to urethra to remove urine and clear the bladder. This catheter remains connected for several hours post surgery.

How To Take Care Post TURP Operation?

Patients who undergo TURP need to pass a night or two in the hospital until they are fit enough to remove the catheter. Once the catheter is removed, patients slowly start with normal diet. Walking is important to ensure quick recovery. However, this should always be done under your doctor's supervision.

Breathing exercises and coughing methods are taught that needs to be practiced for several days or even months after surgery.

Can You Prevent Prostate Enlargement?

One of the most annoying problems associated with prostate enlargement is frequent urination; so much that you need to wake up at night leading to disturbed sleep

This problem can be prevented if you skip drinking excess much water just before you prepare to fall asleep. Apart from this, no other solution precisely exists

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is said to prevent this problem. Seasame seeds, Tofu, Tomatoes, Bell pepper etc are said to be effective with prostate gland problems

Walking and some form of good physical exercises are essential for a healthy life and can equally prove beneficial for prostate gland enlargement issues

Finally, abstaining from alcohol, caffeine and smoke is highly recommended to ensure control of prostate gland enlargement

This was all about Benign Prostate Enlargement and how it can get treated. Following a healthy life style involving good nutritious diet, exercises and sleep are vital for healthy living. Opting for regular health checkups and taking essential steps are equally important. Similar to any other disease, prostate enlargement can even be treated at an early stage with simple medications if diagnosed at early stage. However still, if early treatment was not possible to opt and you will now have to undergo a TURP surgery, hopefully it will not be very difficult as you have gone through the entire post now! 

About the Author -
Pousali is a contributor of medifee.com. She is an ardent believer of the ‘learning, unlearning and relearning’ process. And also likes to gain knowledge of different concepts like Diabetes, cancer, women's diseases, fitness. She likes to spend time improving her culinary skills, singing and travelling, which is just another way of knowing the unknown.