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In middle age to older adulthood, many men experience urinary problems such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, a weak urine stream, or needing to wake up often at night to urinate. These symptoms may seem mild at first, but if left untreated, they can significantly affect quality of life in the long term. One of the most common causes of these symptoms is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate gland.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous condition in which the prostate gradually becomes larger as men age. The prostate is located below the bladder and wraps around the urethra. As it grows larger, it can compress the urethra, leading to urinary problems such as difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, or frequent urination.
This condition is not cancer and does not develop into cancer, but it can significantly affect quality of life.
Factors that contribute to the development of this condition include:
Symptoms can be divided into two primary groups: storage symptoms and voiding symptoms.
If left untreated, BPH may lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or kidney failure.
Doctors diagnose the condition through several tests and examinations, such as:
The treatment approach for BPH depends on symptom severity and its impact on the patient’s daily life.
For patients with mild symptoms, doctors may recommend:
There are two primary groups of medications:
These medications are effective in many cases; however, they need to be taken continuously and may cause side effects such as low blood pressure, fatigue, or abnormal ejaculation.
If medications are ineffective or the prostate is significantly enlarged and causes difficulty urinating, doctors may recommend endoscopic surgery through the urethra to remove excess prostate tissue. Although this method is effective, there are drawbacks to consider, such as risks associated with anesthesia, the risk of infection, and possible sexual side effects, including ejaculatory problems in some patients.
One of the latest safe treatment options is PAE, an interventional radiology procedure. The doctor will insert a small catheter through the blood vessel from the groin or wrist, and inject embolic agents to block the arteries supplying the prostate. This causes the prostate to gradually shrink within 1–3 months, with noticeable symptom improvement 5–6 months after the procedure.
Although benign prostatic hyperplasia is not a life-threatening condition, neglecting treatment can affect daily life and may lead to complications. If you begin to experience urinary symptoms, seeing a doctor for proper evaluation and appropriate treatment is the most important step.
For more information, please contact
Urology and Men’s Health Center, Vejthani International Hospital.
Call: (+66)2-734-0000 ext. 4901
English Hotline: (+66)85-223-8888
