The prostate, which is located under the bladder and is one of the male reproductive organs that surrounds the urethra, plays an important role in producing and secreting some of the liquid components that make up semen. However, the prostate grows in size with age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a disease in which the enlarged prostate becomes so severe that it compresses the urethra that passes through the prostate and prevents the discharge of urine. Says.
The main cause of Benign prostatic hyperplasia has not yet been clearly identified, and it is known that male hormones and aging with increasing age have the greatest influence on the occurrence. As the age increases, the amount of male hormone produced in the testes decreases, but the activity of male hormone converting enzyme increases.
According to these causes, symptoms of Benign prostatic hyperplasia begin to appear after the age of 40, and it is reported that by the age of 60, it occurs at a rate of 60-70%, and in the 80s, it occurs at a rate of 90%. In addition to factors such as genetic factors and family history, several factors such as long-term meat-based diet and obesity have been known to increase the risk of Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Now, let’s check in more detail about the main symptoms of Benign prostatic hyperplasia and various information about treatment and prevention.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia main symptoms
The main symptoms that appear when Benign prostatic hyperplasia occurs are that the urine stream becomes thinner, loses strength, and breaks in the middle. In addition, a sudden urge to urinate or difficulty holding it in, and frequent urination, which increases the frequency of urination, appear. In addition, the symptoms of abdominal pressure urination, in which urine is discharged after urinating for a long time or even after urination is complete, and frequent urination during the night, are also major symptoms accompanying the occurrence of Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Applicable.
If the symptoms of Benign prostatic hyperplasia continue, there will be problems with normal urination, causing great inconvenience in life and a significant decrease in quality of life. In addition, when symptoms worsen, it can cause bladder damage and reduce kidney function, which can lead to complications such as bladder stones, pyelonephritis, and urinary tract infection. In this case, it can cause a bigger problem in the contraction of the bladder, which can lead to the inability to urinate even if the urinary retention is removed through surgery. Therefore, in order to prevent related complications and to prevent the chronic stage of exacerbating the main symptoms, it is important to proceed with an accurate diagnosis and examination procedure, and to receive accurate treatment according to the diagnosis result.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment and prevention
1. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment according to the diagnosis
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a medical examination that comprehensively examines the severity of symptoms, the time of onset, and past medical history, along with a physical examination, urinalysis, measurement of residual urine volume, urinalysis, prostate-specific antigen, transrectal ultrasonography, and cystoscopy. to proceed with the diagnosis. And if the symptoms are mild according to the diagnosis result, waiting therapy and drug therapy through regular checkups are implemented. Medication is treated with anti-androgenic hormone therapy and sympathetic blockers. Although it is known that Benign prostatic hyperplasia can be controlled with drug therapy in most cases, when symptoms do not improve, occlusion occurs, or recurrence or related complications due to enlargement of the prostate appear, laser-assisted prostate Surgical treatment such as surgery or transurethral prostatectomy is performed.
2. Regular exercise habits
It is said that it helps a lot in improving the symptoms of Benign prostatic hyperplasia by facilitating the flow of blood when you regularly do moderate aerobic exercise suitable for your body. Various exercises such as walking, jogging, and stretching and gymnastics to relieve tight pelvic muscles are said to help improve the symptoms and prevent the occurrence of Benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, because riding a bicycle causes pressure on the prostate tissue, it is recommended to limit riding if symptoms are severe and use a dedicated saddle to relieve pressure when symptoms are relieved to some extent. And if you have been diagnosed with Benign prostatic hyperplasia, it is recommended that you do not hold back too much when you feel the urge to urinate, because if you hold back too much urine, the function of the bladder will be further damaged and the risk of related complications will increase.
3. Control your excessive drinking habits
Excessive drinking habits can lead to problems with urination, which can make symptoms worse, so it is recommended to limit them. In addition, coffee is also a strong irritant and can cause symptoms aggravation, so it is recommended to reduce excessive intake and consume an appropriate amount. In addition, ingredients such as antihistamines included in cold medicines are factors that reduce the ability to urinate. In addition, if you drink a lot of water before going to bed, diuretic symptoms will get worse, so it is recommended to control your water intake after 7pm.
4. Eat healthy and eat foods that help relieve symptoms
To improve the symptoms of Benign prostatic hyperplasia, reduce the intake of high-fat foods and meat, and at the same time adopt a balanced diet consisting of fresh vegetables, fruits, and fish rich in nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s important to keep In particular, being overweight or obese is known as a major risk factor that increases the risk of not only Benign prostatic hyperplasia but also prostate-related diseases, so a healthy diet to effectively manage it is an essential habit.
It is also a good idea to eat a variety of foods that help relieve symptoms of Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Beans, including black beans, tomatoes, garlic, and hemp are representative foods that help prostate health because they inhibit active enzymes in the prostate. Among them, tomatoes are said to be very helpful in the prevention of related diseases such as Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis by protecting the epithelial cells of the prostate by their abundant lycopene component.
