Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is the medical term for the condition often referred to as an enlarged prostate. Prostate enlargement is a condition that occurs mostly in men who are in their 60s, 70s and 80s, and often disrupts the flow of urine for the patient.
The bladder quickly becomes irritated, and men will often feel as they have to pee all the time simply because their bladder contracts when the tiniest amount of urine is present. Dr. Pedram Ilbeigi has found that many of his older patients in Rancho Mirage and the Inland Empire suffer from BPH and seek the advice of a urology expert for dealing with this condition.
Symptoms of BPH
In good working condition, the prostate is about the same size as a walnut. The role of the prostate is to provide healthy fluid that is full of nutrients, and it supplies this fluid to the sperm so that it can create semen. It is located near the bladder and the urethra, which is why when it enlarges it can impact these organs. Men who are suffering from an enlarged prostate will find that these symptoms are common:
- A weak stream of urine when they go to the bathroom
- Urinating frequently, with an increasing amount of bathroom breaks throughout the night
- A bladder that does not feel like it has emptied completely, thus making the patient feel like he always has to go to the bathroom
- Leaking, dribbling or an urgent need to urinate at any point
Cause of Prostate Enlargement
Throughout the course of several decades, doctors who have studied this condition have found that it is usually caused by hormonal fluctuations in the male body. It is extremely rare for men younger than 40 to have this condition, and as men get older the likelihood they are to suffer from an enlarged prostate at some point.
As men age, their testosterone levels drop. It has been found that this drop in testosterone is the cause of BPH. In addition, men begin to produce more estrogen in their body as they get older, and this fuels the production of additional prostate cells.
Treatment
The most common way to treat an enlarged prostate is to focus on a healthy diet and exercise routine. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially important to keeping prostate enlargement at bay, so foods like avocado and salmon are good choices.
Caffeine should be avoided by men who suffer from BPH, and all patients who have this condition should talk with their physician about a good exercise routine that will be healthy and effective.
Men who think they are suffering from prostate enlargement should see a urology expert as soon as possible. This condition can be quite uncomfortable and can have a significant impact on a man’s quality of life. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of BPH, make an appointment with Dr. Ilbeigi as soon as possible. He would be happy to help you treat the condition and get you back to living a life of comfort and security again.
