Health Talk: Thinking about prostate health
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Published: July 30, 2008
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a fairly common condition that affects men older than 30.
This condition is characterized by rapidly multiplying cells in the prostate that results in the formation of nodules.
When these nodules become large enough, they put pressure on the urethral canal which can cause partial or complete obstruction of the urethra. This prostatic growth can begin around the age of 30. It is estimated that half of all men older than 50 percent and 75 percent of men older than 80 have evidence of BPH. Of these men, 40 percent to 50 percent will be affected to the point where treatment should be sought.
Early detection and testing is encouraged if you think you have BPH. Common symptoms to look for include hesitancy to urinate, urinating intermittency, incomplete urination, weak stream, straining, post urination dribble, need to urinate at night, incontinence, bladder pain, painful urination, frequency of urination and extreme urgency to urinate. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
If untreated, residual urine can promote bacteria growth, which can then lead to a urinary tract infection. Bladder stones can also form when the salts within the residual urine begin to crystallize. Some patients who suffer from chronic urinary retention may also eventually progress to renal failure.
To aid with the effects of BPH, men older than 40 should drink less before sleeping, cut down on alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, and attempt to schedule their urination. Alpha blockers such as doxazosin, terazosin, alfuzosin, and tamsulosin may also provide symptomatic relief from BPH.
Surgery may also be necessary if medications fail to relieve the discomfort of BPH. For this condition, transurethral resection of the prostate is performed.
In this procedure, part of the prostate is removed through the urethra. There are newer procedures that have also emerged in the past five to 10 years that involve vaporizing prostate tissue with lasers. This procedure is called photoselective vaporization of the prostate or GreenLight Laser Therapy.
GreenLight Laser Therapy involves the insertion of a small fiber into the urethra, which then carries laser energy that removes the obtrusive prostate tissue. This method of BPH relief has become popular in recent years because it can usually be done as an outpatient procedure and it quickly restores natural urine flow.
If the symptoms of BPH are not severe enough to seek treatment, it is still a good idea to schedule regular prostate exams. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer for men nationwide and early detection is important.
This week's Health Talk article was submitted on behalf of the Prostate Cancer Clinic at Rutland Regional Medical Center.
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