What Is It and How To Know You Have It
Are you a man who feels the frequent need to urinate? Do you have a weak urine stream or experience excruciating pain during ejaculation? While urinating during the day is often a healthy sign that one is releasing all of the toxins within the body, too much urination could be a sign of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
At LifeWorks Wellness Center we pride ourselves on bringing awareness towards this condition, which is a common diagnosis among men.
The prostate is a small sensitive gland located in between the penis and the bladder that is used to produce semen. BPH occurs when the gland enlarges over time causing a blockage in the urinary tract which disrupts the flow of urine from the bladder.
This blockage will lead to feeling the urgent need to urinate while simultaneously having a difficult time releasing all of the toxins.
If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to other medical issues such as kidney damage, bladder damage, or urinary tract infections in the future.
How To Prevent BPH From Happening To Me?
Unfortunately, men cannot control the growth of their prostates.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestives, and Kidneys (NIDDK)¹, the prostate’s development will undergo its first period of growth during puberty.
It graduates into its second stage of growth when the man is around the young age of 25 and they are possibly at a higher risk of developing the condition.
Sometimes during this process, the enlargement may squeeze the urethra further causing the bladder walls to thicken. Eventually, if the prostate grows too big, the bladder will weaken and lose its control to empty the toxins properly, thus allowing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia to develop.
While the underlying causes of BPH have never been clarified, some men in their mid-40’s or older may be more susceptible to developing a prostate that continues to grow through the second phase, leading to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by the time they reach their 60s.
What Will Happen If I Choose To Ignore It?
As stated previously, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a serious condition that can lead to other long-term health problems. Ignoring the condition would simply not be the best idea, even if one believes that their symptoms aren’t significant.
The reason being is that this condition can easily be confused with Prostatitis (a chronic prostate disease) or Prostate Cancer, as all have similar symptoms. Therefore it is encouraged that one seeks medical attention immediately in order to correctly diagnose them.
While the symptoms of these conditions are similar, there are differences between each condition:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia contains non-cancerous cells (hence in its name “benign”),
- Prostatitis is a disease of the prostate caused by bacterial infections
- Prostate Cancer contains malignant cancerous cells. If Prostate Cancer is ignored, it has the potential of becoming life-threatening.
Between all three, BPH seems like the better diagnosis, however it can still cause pain, interrupt someone’s daily life and cause other infections within the body.
Keep An Eye Out For These Symptoms…
Depending on the severity of the condition, the symptoms that men experience can vary. Some men can encounter either all of the symptoms or none depending on the individual, their age, their medical history, and heritage.
For less significant cases, the symptoms may never be felt unless diagnosed through special tests, and sometimes less significant cases can gradually improve without the need for treatment or supplements.
We encourage any male to visit us if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urgent needs to urinate
- Difficulty starting urination
- Pain during ejaculation or urination
- Weak urine stream (or one that starts and stops often)
- Nocturia (nighttime urination)
- Blood in the urine (in more severe cases)
As stated previously, all of these symptoms also relate to Prostate Cancer or Prostatitis and it is extremely crucial to be able to determine the differences right away in case the diagnosis ends up being in the latter.
How To Get Tested
Before one looks into searching for their best treatment options, one must first be properly diagnosed with the correct condition.
According to the Urology Care Foundation², Medical practitioners and healthcare providers can usually determine between Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Prostate Cancer, or Prostatitis by looking at only a few simple things:
- A Physical Exam – Doctors and/or practitioners may examine a patient’s body by checking for urethra discharge, a swollen scrotum, or enlarged lymph nodes within the groin. During this exam, expect to have a blood test, urine test, and a digital rectal scan to be performed.
- Medical Tests – There are many tests that can diagnose BPH. Please be sure to talk to your practitioner to weigh your best options.
- Personal & Family Medical History – Practitioners are often interested in a patient’s medical background and family history to see if the condition has any underlying or hereditary causes. Sometimes medications can have long-term side effects that could cause this condition to develop or worsen. Other times, if a family member or a descendant of the patient had experienced BPH, it is likely that the patient had inherited it.
Get Your Prostate Checked!
If you have experienced any of the previously mentioned symptoms, or have been diagnosed by a practitioner or doctor, or have any family history of BPH, it is best to seek medical attention promptly.
Here at LifeWorks Wellness Center, we treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia naturally, using the most effective holistic treatment options available.
To schedule an exam or an annual appointment, please call (727) 466-6789.
Our office is located in the heart of Clearwater, Florida at 301 Turner Street.
References:
- “Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Sept. 2014
- “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).” Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment – Urology Care Foundation, www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/b/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-(bph)
