Ayurvedic Treatment Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
About Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate enlargement occurs in men due to enlarged prostate gland which block the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. BPH is not the same as prostate cancer and doesn’t increase the risk of cancer.
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate goes through two main growth periods. Early in puberty, the prostate doubles in size. Around age 25 prostate starts to grow again and continues during most of a man’s life. For some men, it causes BPH. BPH is common in men older than 50 years.
Causes Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Doctors and researchers do not have a good understanding of what causes an enlarged prostate. Some factors like aging and the testicles may cause BPH. This is because BPH does not develop in men whose testicles were removed before puberty. Here are some possible causes of enlarged prostate include:
- Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)
- Urinary tract infection
- Narrowing of the urethra
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Scarring in the bladder neck as a result of previous surgery
- Problems with nerves that control the bladder
- Cancer of the prostate or bladder
Symptoms Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
As the prostate gets bigger, it can bother or block the bladder. Needing to urinate often is a common symptom of BPH. This might be every 1 to 2 hours, mainly at night. Other Common signs and symptoms of BPH include:
- Feeling of urgent urinate
- Feeling that the bladder is full, even right after urinating
- Trouble starting to urinate
- A weak flow of urine or Weak urine stream that stops and starts
- Needing to push or strain to urinate
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
- Urinary tract infection
- Blood in the urine
The size of your prostate doesn’t always determine the severity of the blockage or symptoms. Some men with greatly enlarged prostates can have significant symptoms, while other men with very enlarged prostates can have only minor urinary symptoms.
Risk factors of BPH
Some risk factors for prostate gland enlargement include:
- Aging. Prostate gland enlargement rarely causes signs and symptoms in men younger than age 40. About one-third of men experience moderate to severe symptoms by age 60, and about half do so by age 80.
- Family history. Having a blood relative, such as a father or a brother, with prostate problems means you’re more likely to have problems.
- Diabetes and heart disease. Studies show that diabetes, as well as heart disease and use of beta blockers, might increase the risk of BPH.
- Lifestyle. Obesity increases the risk of BPH, while exercise can lower your risk.
Complications Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
The complications of benign prostatic hyperplasia may include
- Acute urinary retention
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Inability to fully empty the bladder can increase the risk of infection in your urinary tract. If UTIs occur frequently, you might need surgery to remove part of the prostate.
- Bladder damage. A bladder that hasn’t emptied completely can stretch and weaken over time. As a result, the muscular wall of the bladder no longer contracts properly, making it harder to fully empty your bladder.
- Kidney damage. Pressure in the bladder from urinary retention can directly damage the kidneys or allow bladder infections to reach the kidneys.
