Many men aged 50 and over begin to experience discomfort when urinating. Don't panic; it could be BPH ( benign prostatic hyperplasia ) , or benign prostate enlargement. Remember, this isn't cancer , but rather a natural growth of the prostate gland that compresses the urethra.
Imagine a prostate that's normally the size of a walnut, swelling to the size of a tennis ball. Because it encircles the urethra, it automatically becomes compressed. The result? Impaired urinary flow.
What are the symptoms to watch out for?
If you start to feel the following things, it's a sign that your prostate is "disturbed":
- Weak urine flow: Having to wait a long time or strain before urine can come out.
- Incomplete urination: Feeling like there is still urine left in the bladder after you have finished urinating.
- Intermittent urination: The flow of urine stops and then starts again repeatedly.
- Frequent "calls of nature" at night: Waking up repeatedly just to go to the toilet (nocturia).
- Sudden urge to urinate: Difficulty holding urine, or even sudden inability to urinate at all.
- Pain: It feels sore when urinating or when ejaculating.
Important Note: If your urine is bloody or you are completely unable to urinate, see a doctor immediately at EMC Hospital Tangerang!
Why Does the Prostate Swell?
The exact cause remains a mystery, but it's strongly suspected to be due to hormonal changes that occur with age. Testosterone decreases, while another hormone (DHT) increases, which triggers prostate cells to continue dividing.
Several factors that put men at greater risk of developing BPH:
- Age: 50% of men over 50 experience it, and it increases to 90% in their 80s.
- Heredity: There are family members who have a similar history.
- General Health: Obesity, diabetes, or lack of exercise (sedentary lifestyle).
Don't Take It Lightly, This Is the Danger!
If left untreated, BPH can trigger serious complications:
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Urine that has been left for a long time becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Bladder Stones: Urine deposits can harden into stones.
- Kidney Failure: The upward pressure of urine can permanently damage the kidneys.
How does EMC Tangerang Hospital treat it?
Don't worry, urology at EMC Hospital Tangerang has many solutions, from minor to advanced procedures:
- Medications: For mild symptoms, doctors usually prescribe medications to relax the prostate muscles or medications to reduce the size of the prostate.
- Minimally Invasive Non-Surgical Procedures: * TURP & Laser: Scraping out the obstructing prostate through the urethra (without an incision in the abdomen).
- Open Surgery: Usually only performed if the prostate is very large or there are serious complications.
Tips for Early Prevention
Although age cannot be fought, you can reduce the risk by:
- Eat lots of vegetables and fruit.
- Reduce alcoholic beverages.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain ideal body weight.
EMC Tangerang Hospital offers superior services for men's health, specifically prostate care. Our urology specialists are ready to assist with the latest medical technology and safe, low-risk procedures. We are here not only as a medical team, but as a companion on your journey of recovery, from initial examination to complete recovery.
This article was written by Dr. Mochamad Sri Herlambang, Sp.U. FICS (Urology Surgeon Specialist at EMC Tangerang Hospital).