Year: 2025

At times, the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are mistaken for prostate cancer. Today, we will take a closer look at the signs of an enlarged prostate and indications of other disorders of the prostate.

Understanding the symptoms of an enlarged prostate

An enlarged prostate is a disorder also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is a common issue for males above 50. Yet its symptoms can be alarming as they can diminish the quality of life and even hide more serious medical disorders.

BPH is the leading cause of prostate disorders. What should also be understood is that infections can also cause an enlarged prostate. If there is blood in the urine, it can be either an infection or a potentially serious disorder (cancer, kidney disease). It is also a sign of BPH.
If you are experiencing enlarged prostate symptoms, do not hesitate to have a thorough medical evaluation by a specialist immediately.

Briefly understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) happens when the prostate and surrounding tissue expand. The former undergoes two main growth stages as a person ages. The first one is early in puberty when the prostate doubles in size. The second one typically begins around the age of 25 and continues for most of a man’s life.

As a man ages, their prostate gets larger. BPH occurs when it becomes large enough to cause problems. Once the prostate grows, it presses against the urethra. The bladder walls thicken and may cause the bladder to weaken.

The thickened walls create Urinary Retention. It loses its ability to be empty completely. A little bit of urine remains in the bladder.

These issues cause numerous symptoms of the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH. Understanding how BPH creates symptoms can help your doctor determine the kind of treatment required to help you overcome it.

Understanding how the prostate works?

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. Its main job is to make fluid for semen. It is about a walnut and weighs almost an ounce. Moreover, it sits below the bladder and right in front of the rectum.

The prostate also surrounds a tube called the urethra. The latter carries urine from the bladder through the penis.

Who is at risk for BPH?

The following men are at risk for BPH:

• Men above the age of 50 (as the risk grows with age).
• Those whose fathers had BPH.
• Men who are overweight.
• Those who have a sedentary lifestyle.
• Men with erectile dysfunction ED).

Briefly examining the causes of an enlarged prostate

No one knows the cause of an enlarged prostate. Experts reveal that the condition affects millions of men worldwide as they age. The symptoms of an enlarged prostate make an appearance once a man reaches his forties.

50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60 are affected by BPH. The figure reaches 90% for men above the age of 80.

Older men are most affected by BPH. Experts believe the condition can be linked to ageing and hormonal changes. As a man’s testosterone levels decline with age, this results in a greater percentage of estrogen. This could be the factor triggering the prostate’s growth.

This is further supported by the fact that younger men who had their testicles surgically removed due to testicular cancer never developed BPH. Moreover, the National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests that the accumulation of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When testosterone levels decrease, this can lead to the growth of prostate cells.

Treatment for an enlarged prostate

What is the latest treatment for an enlarged prostate? This is a question many are asking these days due to rising awareness of BPH and prostate cancer. There are many ways of getting the prostate back to normal, but all of this depends on the severity of the condition.
In relatively mild conditions, limiting consumption of sodas, coffee, and tea is needed. Caffeine increases the frequency of urination by stimulating the bladder.

Here are the treatments for an enlarged prostate.

Medications

Alpha Blockers: They relax the muscles of the bladder and the prostate. This, therefore, makes urination easy.

Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: They block the hormones that cause the prostate to grow. In some cases, they shrink the prostate.

Treatments

Here are the treatments for an enlarged prostate:

• UroLift: They are tiny implants designed to hold the prostatic urethra open and remove obstructions.
• Aquablation: Shrinking the prostate using a heat-free water jet.
• Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): They involve the insertion of micro particles through a catheter in the prostate artery. It reduces blood supply to the prostate, hence shrinking it over time.
• Rezum water vapour therapy: A steam-induced treatment removing excess prostate tissue.
• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): A surgical procedure that removes some of the prostate tissue.

The best treatment option for an affected patient depends on the severity of the symptoms. The test results also count. Can running cause prostate problems? It does not. However, it can worsen existing conditions. If not treated, an enlarged prostate can create the following:

• Urinary incontinence.
• Blood in the urine.
• Potential kidney damage.

This is why you should consult a doctor right away.

Over to you

An enlarged prostate is indeed bad news. Its symptoms can be troublesome without any doubt. This is why visiting a physician firsthand is even better, as it helps determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment for the condition.

For Consultation Contact us here:

Hotline: 03311110397

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OMI Hospital, 89/1 Depot Lines, MA Jinnah Rd, Karachi. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/g98JKgzfjRkiy5K66 )

Farooq Hospital-DHA Avenue Mall, Main Ghazi Rd, DHA, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan (https://maps.app.goo.gl/g98JKgzfjRkiy5K66 )

1. What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern; these swollen, snaking vessels can appear in shades of blue, red, or even skin-toned. They often resemble cords rising above the surface of the skin, primarily gracing the thighs, calves, and legs. Interestingly, during pregnancy, they may also emerge in sensitive areas like the vagina, buttocks, and rectum.

2. What Causes Them?

These veins emerge when the superficial veins in the lower abdomen or legs become blocked, primarily due to:
– Impaired Venous Valves: When valves are absent or defective, trouble follows.
– Increased Venous Pressure: Long periods of standing, obesity, or pregnancy can exacerbate the issue.

3. Who’s at Risk?

Several factors can heighten your chances of experiencing varicose veins:
– Genetic Predisposition: A family history can make you more susceptible.
– Advancing Age: Aging weakens vein valves, increasing risk.
– Gender: Females face greater odds, often due to hormonal influences.
– Pregnancy: A significant trigger due to increased blood flow and pressure from the uterus.
– Obesity: Extra weight adds stress to your veins.
– Posture: Too much sitting or standing can hinder healthy circulation.

4. Pregnancy and Symptoms

– When to Expect: Typically surfaces in the 2nd or 3rd trimester.
– Common Symptoms: Look out for redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort.

Location-Specific Symptoms:
– Legs: Experience edema, night cramps, numbness, heaviness, and worries about aesthetics.
– Vulva: You might feel a sense of fullness or pressure, raising concerns about delivery.
– Rectum: Varicose veins can lead to hemorrhoids, often worsened by constipation.
– Recurrence: If experienced in the first pregnancy, there’s a good chance of recurrence in subsequent ones.

5. Treatment Pathways

Sclerotherapy
– How It Works: Involves injecting a sclerosing agent to collapse the problematic vein.
– Pros: Boasts a success rate of 70-80% for smaller veins.
– Cons: Recurrence is common; potential risks include infection, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), nerve damage, and skin discoloration.
– Recovery: Can involve a longer healing period.

Embolization (e.g., CLARIVEIN®)
– How It Works: A minimally invasive procedure using a catheter to block the vein under local anesthesia.
– Pros: Offers a remarkable 90-95% success rate; low chances of recurrence when precautions are taken; the process is generally painless and safe.
– Recovery: Quick turnaround, often complementing other treatment methods.

6. Smart Prevention Strategies

– Stay Active: Combat inactivity with regular exercise.
– Mind Your Posture: Elevate your legs and steer clear of prolonged sitting or standing.
– Lifestyle Choices: Opt for loose-fitting clothing and compression stockings, maintain a healthy weight, and embrace a high-fiber diet.
– Footwear Wisdom: Ditch the high heels for more comfortable options.

7. Key Takeaway

Don’t hesitate to consult an experienced Interventional Radiologist or an Endovascular surgeon** early on for diagnosis and tailored treatments. Addressing varicose veins promptly can not only prevent complications but also enhance your overall well-being—especially during pregnancy!

The intricate dance between uterine fibroids and weight gain is anything but simple, marked by a blend of both direct influences and indirect effects. Below is an insightful exploration of this complex relationship.

1. Direct Physical Effects

Abdominal Expansion: Large fibroids can transform the uterus into a prominent figure, leading to a rounded abdomen reminiscent of pregnancy. This is due to the tangible mass of fibroids rather than an accumulation of excess fat.
Added Bulk: In some cases, particularly with exceptionally large fibroids weighing several pounds, there can be a noticeable increase in overall body weight, although this scenario isn’t typical.

2. Indirect Influences:

Anemia and Energy Drain: The heavy menstrual bleeding associated with fibroids can lead to anemia, which in turn drains energy and curbs physical activity, potentially resulting in weight accumulation over time.
Bloating and Digestive Discomfort: The pressure exerted by fibroids on the intestines or bladder may cause bloating or urinary retention, creating the illusion of weight gain.

3. Psychological and Behavioral Impacts:

Persistent pain and stress from fibroids can sap motivation for exercise or drive emotional eating—a correlation that is still being evaluated.

4. Medical Insights and Clarifications:

Weight Gain vs. Abdominal Distension: It’s essential to differentiate between the “weight gain” mentioned, which often refers to abdominal distension from fibroid growth, and genuine fat gain, which involves a constellation of factors including diet, genetics, and metabolism.
Statistics Range (20-80%): This wide spectrum likely mingles physical mass effects with indirect influences. Further research is needed to clarify these metrics.

5. Treatment Paths Worth Considering:

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): This non-surgical technique effectively shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. It can alleviate troublesome symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure, paving the way for patients to reclaim their active lifestyles.

6. Alternative Therapies:

Options such as medication, myomectomy, or hysterectomy exist, guided by the severity of fibroids and individual patient choices.

Final Thoughts:

Fibroids may lead to noticeable abdominal swelling, and in rare cases, significant weight gain due to their size. However, indirect consequences like fatigue from anemia can also play a role in weight changes. This article underscores the advantages of UFE but should be careful not to overstate fibroids’ contribution to obesity. A comprehensive approach, including a thoughtful consultation with healthcare professionals, is vital for tailored care.

If you’re grappling with fibroid-related symptoms, seeking a medical assessment can open the door to various treatment options, ensuring that all factors contributing to any weight changes are properly addressed.

For more information and guidance, feel free to contact us. ‎03311110397
wa.me/+923302963300 |  wa.me/+923312597322
-OMI Hospital, 89/1 Depot Lines, MA Jinnah Rd, Karachi. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/g98JKgzfjRkiy5K66 )
-Farooq Hospital-DHA Avenue Mall, Main Ghazi Rd, DHA, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan (https://maps.app.goo.gl/FFu76EyV5cCVxBV37)