The prostate is the lifeline of men. With age, the prostate continues to enlarge. When the gland grows to a certain extent, corresponding symptoms will appear, affecting normal urination in men, making it a current focus of attention. Prostate hyperplasia not only affects men’s quality of life but also brings endless troubles. Therefore, Director Wu Jianmei, a urology expert at Shandong Dongfang Men’s Hospital, emphasizes: Pay attention to prostate health, start by understanding prostate hyperplasia!
What is prostate hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as prostate hyperplasia, is a common urinary system disease in men over forty. If we liken the prostate to an orange, the “orange peel” is the prostate’s capsule, the “orange pulp” is the prostate gland. Therefore, prostate hyperplasia refers to the enlargement of the “orange pulp” inside, filling the entire orange, resulting in corresponding symptoms.
What are the causes of prostate hyperplasia?
When the following symptoms appear, your urological system’s health has been alerted:
1. Frequent urine retention
Frequent urine retention can lead to the bladder being overly distended, which can compress the prostate, easily causing urine reflux, ultimately leading to prostatitis.
2. Prolonged sitting
Men who sit for extended periods can compress the prostate, leading to congestion and hyperplasia, thereby triggering prostate diseases.
3. Smoking and alcohol abuse
Smoking and alcohol have significant detrimental effects on the prostate. Excessive drinking can damage the prostate. Clinical statistics show that nearly half of patients with prostate diseases have habits of smoking and alcohol consumption.
4. Staying up late
Staying up late can compromise the immune system, making the prostate more susceptible to infections. Irregular lifestyle patterns can also increase the incidence of prostate hyperplasia.
5. Irregular sexual activity
Overly frequent sexual activity can lead to prostate congestion, resulting in prostate hyperplasia.
What are the common symptoms of prostate hyperplasia?
Progressive difficulty urinating: This is the earliest urinary symptom, manifesting as weak urine flow and thin, powerless stream.
Urinary frequency and urgency: Initially present as nocturnal frequency, then daytime frequency increases. Later, the effective bladder capacity decreases, exacerbating urinary frequency.
Urinary retention, increased residual urine: Enlarged prostate can obstruct smooth urination, leaving some urine in the bladder after each urination, leading to incomplete urination. As the symptoms worsen, the inability to urinate voluntarily may occur, a sign of urinary retention.
Urge urinary incontinence: Patients often struggle to hold urine, leading to urinary incontinence post-inability to withhold due to instability of the bladder contraction muscle and decreased bladder effective capacity.
Blood in urine: The expansion of blood vessels in the prostate mucosa, under bladder pressure, can cause vessel rupture, resulting in hematuria.
How is prostate hyperplasia diagnosed?
1. Clinical symptoms: When the aforementioned clinical symptoms emerge, it indicates a potential problem with the prostate, necessitating further medical examination to diagnose and commence relevant treatment.
2. Digital rectal examination: This is the most commonly used physical examination method clinically. Through digital rectal examination, the prostate’s size, shape, texture, presence of nodules, etc., can be assessed, providing preliminary diagnosis of prostate hyperplasia.
3. Urine routine analysis: Aids in identifying whether there is a concomitant urinary tract infection, hematuria, proteinuria, glycosuria, etc.
4. Prostate ultrasound examination: One of the most convenient imaging methods to assess the prostate clinically. Prostate ultrasound examination can accurately measure the prostate’s size, observe internal structures, abnormal echoes, extent of protrusion into the bladder, and residual urine conditions.
5. Urinary flow rate test: Evaluates a patient’s urinary state during urination, offering an assessment of normal urination function. It serves as an important objective index for diagnosing and treating prostate hyperplasia.
6. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A specific indicator used to distinguish between benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. The normal range is 0-4ng/ml.
How to prevent prostate hyperplasia?
1. Drink water sensibly, a bit more warm water
Recommended daily water intake should not be less than 1500 milliliters. Adequate water consumption can dilute urine, reduce stimulation to the prostate, and help eliminate bodily toxins promptly.
2. Do not hold urine, go to the bathroom frequently
Long term urine retention leads to bladder overdistention, consequently weakening the bladder detrusor muscle tension, causing difficulty with urination, and easily inducing urinary retention. Therefore, one must urinate when needed, and reduce nighttime water intake.
3. Avoid prolonged sitting, engage in moderate exercise
Prolonged sitting can cause congestion in the perineal area, leading to urination difficulties. Getting up and moving around at appropriate intervals can help improve local congestion and alleviate symptoms. Generally, do not sit for more than 2 hours continuously.
4. Drink less coffee, consume less alcohol
Coffee and alcohol have diuretic and stimulant effects, leading to increased urine volume, urinary frequency, and urgency. Therefore, it is advisable to minimize intake of these beverages.
5. Maintain a balanced diet
A well-balanced diet, rich in vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, apples, helps accelerate metabolism. Prostate diseases are not dreadful; paying more attention, consulting specialized doctors at reputable hospitals, early diagnosis, and treatment can enhance male quality of life.
Shandong Jinan Dongfang Men’s Hospital reminds: If you are concerned about prostate health issues or experiencing symptoms of prostate disease, consult a doctor or urology specialist for correct diagnosis and advice. Although prostate hyperplasia is a common male disease, understanding, preventing, and actively treating it can safeguard the secret weapon of male health.
