Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that commonly occurs in men over 50 years old. In Malaysia, an estimated 50% of men above 50 years are affected by symptomatic BPH. (1)

The exact causes of BPH aren’t fully known but it is considered as an age-related growth of certain parts of the prostate gland. (1) The prostate goes through two growth phases, once during puberty when the prostate doubles in size, and the second around age 25 years and this phase continues through most of a man’s life. (2)

BPH and the metabolic syndrome(3)

• Insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels have been shown to cause prostate inflammation and overgrowth
• Obesity increases the risk of an enlarged prostate by 3.5 times compared to non-obese men
• High cholesterol levels. Studies show that patients with high levels of total cholesterol and bad cholesterol, are more likely to suffer from BPH
• Damaged blood vessels in the pelvic region can thicken and scar the prostate tissues

The problem with BPH

While this condition is benign and doesn’t directly harm the patient suffering from it, BPH can affect a person’s life quite significantly. This is due to the symptoms associated with BPH. These symptoms are usually due a blocked urethra or a bladder that is overworked from trying to overcome the blockage. (2)

Other than physical symptoms, patients who have BPH have a poorer quality of life and also suffer from anxiety and depression. (4)

Treating BPH 

Treatment of BPH depends on the following (5)

• Size of the prostate
• Age
• Overall health
• Degree of discomfort experienced

Options for treatment include (2):

• Lifestyle changes
• Medication
• Minimally invasive procedures – Usually only when medication does not seem to help S
• Surgery – Usually recommended only when medication and minimally invasive procedures do not work, when symptoms are particularly severe, or when complications arise

Treatment advantages and disadvantages (2) (5) 

Please consult your healthcare provider for more information on BPH or if you have any questions about your treatment options. 

References:

1. Malaysian Urological Association. Benign Prostate Enlargement (BPH). Accessed: 22 March 2022. https://mua.my/urologicalconditions/benign-prostate-enlargement/

2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). Accessed: 22 March 2022. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostateenlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia

3. Ngai H-Y, et al. Asian J Urol. 2017;4(3):164–173.

4. Pintarelli VL, et al. Int Braz J Urol. 2011;37(6):758–765.

5. Mayo Clinic. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – Diagnosis & Treatment. Accessed: 23 March 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370093

This is a disease awareness program supported by: ZP Therapeutics 

For further information please contact your healthcare professional. This is an educational program for disease awareness supported by: ZP Therapeutics

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