How is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated?
Generally, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may be caused by factors such as aging-related hormonal imbalances, long-term unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic prostatitis, bladder neck obstruction, and chronic urinary retention. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the exact cause, followed by appropriate interventions under a doctor's guidance, such as general management, medication, or surgical treatment. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Aging-related Hormonal Imbalance: As men age, increased levels of dihydrotestosterone in the body can stimulate abnormal proliferation of prostate tissue, often manifesting as frequent urination and difficulty in urination. It is important to maintain regular sleep patterns, avoid staying up late, and reduce fluid intake before bedtime.
2. Long-term Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits: Prolonged sitting, urine retention, alcohol consumption, or excessive intake of spicy foods may worsen prostate congestion and trigger or exacerbate prostate enlargement, often accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the perineal region. Avoid prolonged sitting; get up and move for 5–10 minutes every hour. Avoid urine retention and aim to urinate 4–6 times daily.
3. Chronic Prostatitis: Chronic inflammation of the prostate caused by infections such as bacteria or mycoplasma can lead to repeated inflammatory stimulation, causing prostate tissue proliferation, manifesting as painful urination (urinary urgency). Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, azithromycin dispersible tablets, and Qianlieshutong capsules.
4. Bladder Neck Obstruction: Enlarged prostate compresses the bladder neck, obstructing urine outflow, leading to interrupted urination and a weakened urinary stream. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, finasteride tablets, and doxazosin mesylate sustained-release tablets to relieve the obstruction.
5. Chronic Urinary Retention: Long-term uncontrolled prostate enlargement can lead to prolonged urine retention in the bladder, causing bladder dysfunction, accompanied by lower abdominal distension and pain, and urine reflux. Catheterization should first be performed to drain the retained urine and relieve bladder pressure. Then, follow medical advice to take medications such as tolterodine tartrate tablets, solifenacin succinate tablets, and mirabegron sustained-release tablets to improve bladder function.
In daily life, maintain cleanliness and dryness of the genital area; wash the external genitalia daily with warm water and change cotton underwear frequently. Avoid using irritating cleansing products to prevent damage to local skin and mucous membranes.