Causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Young Men
While benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common issue among men over the age of 50, a significant number of younger males also experience symptoms related to prostate enlargement. The prostate gland can continue to grow throughout a man’s life, potentially reaching a size that impacts urinary function. Despite extensive research, the specific cause of this enlargement remains undefined, although hormonal imbalances related to aging are believed to play a role. Below are some risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate in younger men, many of which overlap with those seen in older individuals:
- Family Medical History: The likelihood of prostate enlargement increases in cases where close relatives, such as fathers or brothers, have had similar issues. Individuals from these families are at a greater risk compared to their peers.
- Obesity: Excess body weight is believed to heighten the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Existing Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as the use of beta blocker medications, may contribute to the risk.
Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement
The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia primarily relate to urinary function. The following are common indicators:
- Frequent nighttime urination.
- Sudden urges to urinate.
- Weak urine flow.
- Difficulty in starting or stopping urine flow and feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
- Dribbling after urination.
- Less common symptoms include blood in the urine, urinary tract infections, and urinary retention.
Medical Treatments for Prostate Enlargement
Several medical treatment options are available for benign prostatic hyperplasia, including:
- Medication:
- Alpha blockers, such as Alfuzosin and Doxazosin.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like Finasteride and Dutasteride.
- PDE5 inhibitors, including Tadalafil.
- Minimally Invasive Treatments:
- Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT).
- Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA).
- Water vapor therapy, which involves introducing vapor into the enlarged tissue via a small device placed in the urethra.
- Surgical Procedures:
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
- Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP).
- Laser surgery.
- Prostatectomy.
References
- ^ A.B. “Prostate Swelling and BPH in Young Men Under Age 45”, www.newyorkurologyspecialists.com, Accessed May 23, 2019. Edited.
- ^ A.B. “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)”, www.mayoclinic.org, March 2, 2019, Accessed May 23, 2019. Edited.
- ^ “Prostate Problems”, www.nhs.uk, July 2, 2018, Accessed May 23, 2019. Edited.
- ^ Laura J. Martin (November 18, 2018), “What Medicines Treat BPH?”, www.webmd.com, Accessed June 23, 2019. Edited.
- ^ Nazia Q. Bandukwala (October 30, 2018), “Do I Need Surgery for BPH?”, www.webmd.com, Accessed June 23, 2019. Edited.