Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate gland) is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatic adenoma. They usually occurs around age 60 Years on, sometimes even earlier. The Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a benign proliferation of the connective and supporting tissue of the prostate. She is one of the most common causes of voiding dysfunction in men

What reasons can there be for the enlargement of the prostate?
The causes (etiology) are still largely unknown. It is believed a buildup of certain hormones in the prostate and a relative increase of estrogen in the body.

How quickly passes the prostate enlargement?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a slow and episodic course, so that it is not usually noticed first. In fact, the first symptoms appear after a few years.

What are the common symptoms?
Complaints come on then, it is often first to a gradual weakening of the urinary stream and a delayed start of urination. Because the prostate continues to grow, with time always close the urethra and the lower part of the bladder (the so-called bladder neck) is displaced upwards. It comes to voiding disorders and nocturnal urination. By chronic overuse of the bladder muscles it comes to the so-called "bubble bar" (the bladder muscles are greatly increased in size). Later, the muscles lose their function because of an increasing number one, that is, they languish, so that even after emptying the bladder residual urine in the bladder. There is a risk of infection or in the extreme from a renal (kidney failure).

How does the doctor's diagnosis?
The doctor will first perform a rectal examination, in which he can feel the enlarged prostate. This is a benign enlargement of one to distinguish prostate cancer. One can for example also on laboratory parameters (PSA) or by imaging techniques (TRUS = Trans-rectal ultrasound). Thus, the exact size of the prostate and residual urine by ultrasound (ie ultrasound) is determined. A bar bubble can be seen through a cystoscopy (cystoscopy). A truly reliable differentiation of prostate cancer is suspected but can be at (PSA increase) only through a tissue sample (biopsy) to reach.

How is the treatment?
At an early stage of prostate enlargement usually more simple measures such as avoiding cold alcoholic drinks are reasonable. At this stage often help herbal medicines (eg, even pumpkin seeds). In later stages, with increased symptoms usually helps only a surgical therapy, whereby in addition to the conventional methods, minimally invasive procedures are available with very little complications. They use a survey of the treatment options.

What is screening?
An early diagnosis of benign prostate enlargement is possible. Every man should be from about the 45th Age can be examined once a year for a urologist prostate (PSA and TRUS).

Symptom severity in benign prostatic hyperplasia

The most commonly used by doctors index to quantify the subjective symptoms of BPH for benign prostatic hypertrophy is IPSS ("International Prostate Symptom Score Index"). Here are some symptoms evaluated and used to calculate an overall value that summarizes the severity of all symptoms. This value based on the therapeutic decisions. For a correct diagnosis, one must seek medical attention

The scores of the International Prostasta Symptom Score (IPSS) come about like this:

The assessment is divided into:

    mild (0-7)
    moderate (8 to 19)
    heavy (20 to 35)

In general, moderate to severe symptoms require therapy. The index is collected directly by the physician.

You have further questions about prostate enlargement? Contact Prof. Dr. Ruediger Heicappell on qualified medic plus.