How Is Bph Treated
In some cases, in particular where symptoms are mild, BPH requires no treatment. At the opposite extreme, some men require immediate intervention if they cannot urinate at all or if kidney/bladder damage has occurred. When treatment is necessary, many men will simply require daily medication. If this fails to completely treat the symptoms, or if there are signs of damage from BPH, the doctor may recommend minimally invasive endoscopic surgery . Or, in some cases, traditional surgery may be recommended.
- Drug treatment: The FDA has approved several drugs to relieve common symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, including drugs that inhibit the production of the hormone DHT and drugs that relax the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow.
For surgery, there are many procedures to choose from, and the choice depends largely on your specific prostate anatomy, and surgeon preference and training. These procedures all have a common goal of widening the urethral channel as it passes through the prostate. Procedures include the following:
Incontinence After Prostate Surgery
Incontinence is common in men who have had surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer2. Thankfully, doctors and surgeons try to save the bladder muscles as much as possible. This is improving, as newer techniques tend to only cause temporary problems.
The most common type of leakage after surgery is stress incontinence which is usually experienced by men after prostate gland has been removed, whereas urge incontinence can occur after radiation treatment. Leaking urine tends to improve over time, with most men seeing an improvement one to six months after surgery3.
Treatment Options For Men With Urinary Symptoms After Radiation For Prostate Cancer
Many men benefit from medical treatment to help them with urinary symptoms during IMRT, CyberKnife, proton beam, or brachytherapy. These medications include alpha-blockers such as Flomax, alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride or Proscar, and anticholinergic medications such as Detrol, or Vesicare.
When medical treatment does not provide sufficient benefit or of the symptoms persist, other treatment options offered at New York Urology Specialists include Urolift procedure, Rezum procedure, iTind for prostate, Greenlight laser of the prostate, Botox injections in the bladder, and TURP.
It should be noted that men with urinary symptoms after radiation therapy for prostate cancer should have a cystoscopy at a minimum to exclude urethral stricture disease and bladder tumors. Some men may also benefit from a urodynamic evaluation.
Did you know?Dr. Shteynshlyuger has performed over 1,000 surgeries and procedures for enlarged prostate, including Rezum, Urolift, prostate enucleation, laser ablation of the prostate, and TURP. He performs over 100 prostate procedures a year.
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What Causes Bladder Leaks
There are two main types of urinary incontinence:
Stress incontinence
If you have this type, activities that raise the pressure inside your abdomen cause urine to leak through the ring of muscle in your bladder that normally holds it in. Coughing, sneezing, jumping and lifting heavy objects could lead to a leak.
Going through childbirth, smoking or being overweight can raise the risk of stress incontinence for women, Wright says. Stress incontinence in men is rare, and when it arises, its often due to prostate cancer treatment, such as radiation or surgery.
Urge incontinence
With this type, your brain, spinal cord and bladder dont work together properly to allow you to hold and release urine at the right time. Your bladder may suddenly empty itself without warning. Or you may feel like you need to urinate frequently, a problem called overactive bladder.
Some diseases that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis or stroke, can cause this kind of incontinence, says Wright. In men, an enlarged prostate may be the culprit. But in many cases, doctors dont know what causes urge incontinence.
It is possible to have both types of incontinence at the same time.
How Is Painful Urination Diagnosed
Be sure to tell your doctor all of your symptoms. This will help them make the right decision about the course of treatment.
Your doctor will also want to know how long you have had your symptoms and whether they occurred suddenly or gradually. They will also want to know if you have any trouble urinating or a weak stream. They will also ask if you feel pain when you begin urinating or after.
Once they have taken your history and symptoms, your doctor will perform a physical exam. They will also take a urine sample to test for a UTI.
Your urine sample will be analyzed for both red and white blood cells and any foreign chemicals.
Your doctor will look for white blood cells in your urine to see if you have a bacterial infection. They can also take a culture of your urine to determine what bacteria is causing the infection. After they get these results, you may need further testing, or they will have a diagnosis and can prescribe medication.
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Can Constipation Harm Your Prostate
Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems. We all experience it at one point or another. The influence of constipation goes beyond feeling bloated, and it may extend to your prostate gland.
To describe how constipation harms the prostate, its important to mention your bowel is located right next to the prostate gland. Bowels carry waste and toxins, which start building up without regular bowel movements, i.e., in the presence of constipation.
Sometimes, excessive levels of these toxins can migrate to the nearby tissues, including the prostate tissue. When that happens, the prostate can become inflamed, and you experience pain and discomfort due to chronic bacterial prostatitis or acute bacterial prostatitis.
Prostatitis Symptoms To Know
While common prostate symptoms dont require immediate medical attention, be sure to see a medical professional right away if you also experience flu-like symptoms, including:
This could be a sign of acute bacterial prostatitis, a condition in which severe symptoms come on suddenly and require immediate treatment.
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Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression
Metastatic spinal cord compression happens when cancer cells grow in or near to the spine and press on the spinal cord. MSCC isnt common, but you need to be aware of the risk if your prostate cancer has spread to your bones or has a high risk of spreading to your bones. The risk of MSCC is highest if the cancer has already spread to the spine. Speak to your doctor or nurse for more information about your risk.
MSCC can cause any of the following symptoms.
- Pain or soreness in your lower, middle or upper back or neck. The pain may be severe or get worse over time. It might get worse when you cough, sneeze, lift or strain, or go to the toilet. It might get worse when you are lying down. It may wake you at night or stop you from sleeping.
- A narrow band of pain around your abdomen or chest that can move towards your lower back, buttocks or legs.
- Pain that moves down your arms or legs.
- Weakness in your arms or legs, or difficulty standing or walking. You might feel unsteady on your feet or feel as if your legs are giving way. Some people say they feel clumsy.
- Numbness or tingling in your legs, arms, fingers, toes, buttocks, stomach area or chest, that doesnt go away.
- Problems controlling your bladder or bowel. You might not be able to empty your bladder or bowel, or you might have no control over emptying them.
Dont wait
Male Urinary Incontinence Home Remedies
There are a number of home remedies and lifestyle adaptations that are known to assist with UI, as well as help to prevent it. They can either be tried on their own, such as for mild cases of UI, or combined with other medical treatments. However, a consultation with a urologist is recommended to evaluate each individual case. With expert medical assistance, these home remedies can be adopted in addition to receiving any other necessary treatments.
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Suggestions For Keeping Ones Back Healthy
Exercise regularly to keep muscular tissues solid as well as flexible. Get in touch with a doctor for a list of low-impact, age-appropriate exercises that are specifically targeted to strengthening lower back as well as abdominal muscles.
Keep a healthy weight and consume a nutritious diet plan with an adequate everyday consumption of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D to advertise new bone growth.
Usage ergonomically made furniture and tools in your home and at the workplace. Make sure work surfaces are at a comfy height.
Switch sitting positions commonly as well as periodically walk the workplace or carefully stretch muscles to alleviate tension. A cushion or rolled-up towel put behind the small of the back can offer some back assistance. Place your feet on a reduced stool or a pile of publications when sitting for a very long time.
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Can Incontinence Be Prevented
Different events throughout your life can lead to many of the things that cause incontinence. The muscles that support your pelvic organs can weaken over time. For women, these muscles can also be weakened by big life events like pregnancy and childbirth. However, in the same way you work out to build strength in your legs or arms, you can do exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Doing exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles may not prevent you from having any issues with incontinence, but it can help you regain control of your bladder. Maintaining a healthy body weight can also help with bladder control. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to maintain strong pelvic floor muscles throughout your life.
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What Is Enlarged Prostate Who Does It Affect
The first common prostate issue that can cause Urinary Incontinence, is an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia . Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. Prostate enlargement rarely occurs before men turn 40 years old, but more than 50% of men in their 60s, and up to 90% of men in their 70s and 80s, have some enlargement. BPH is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer. Which brings me to the second prostate issue that may cause bladder issues.
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How Is Ui Diagnosed
Medical History The first step in solving a urinary problem is talking with your health care provider. Your general medical history, including any major illnesses or surgeries, and details about your continence problem and when it started will help your doctor determine the cause. You should talk about how much fluid you drink a day and whether you use alcohol or caffeine. You should also talk about the medicines you take, both prescription and nonprescription, because they might be part of the problem.
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Causes Of Urge Incontinence
The bladder is a muscle and just like the other muscles in our bodies, it is sensitive to changes in our health situation. However, there is no one cause of urge incontinence. A complete medical evaluation can shed light on the possible reasons for the condition. Some of the most common, generally accepted causes of urge incontinence include:
BPH Urge incontinence is a significant problem for men suffering from BPH and its related complications. Since prostatic enlargement reduces the amount of urine that can flow freely from the bladder, the bladder muscle tends to malfunction.
Other causes of urge incontinence include:
- Cancer of the bladder
Inflammation Of The Prostate Gland
Bacteria sometimes cause prostatitis . More commonly, the underlying cause is uncertain. Consult your doctor promptly if you experience:
- pain in the groin
- urgent and frequent urination.
Treatment with antibiotics is essential for acute bacterial prostatitis. Admission to hospital is often necessary and, as with chronic bacterial prostatitis, specific antibacterial drugs are required for a long time.
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Prostate Massage Is The Ultimate Control Of Incontinence
As discussed, male incontinence is caused by weak sphincter muscles, overactive sacral nerves, enlarged prostate, and other prostate-related conditions. For that reason, prostate massage is your best shot at eliminating all forms of incontinence. For so long, massage therapy has been utilized to treat many prostate conditions, including BPH and even in prevention of prostate cancer.
With regular massage therapy, you can reduce swellings on the prostate, unblocking the urethra. Some massage treatments target the sacral nerves, stopping urge incontinence. The bottom line is that massage therapy can help men with incontinence in more than one way.
Incontinence After Prostate Surgery: Everything You Need To Know
Alan was 68 years old when he had a prostatectomy. My doctor thought it was the best way to treat my prostate cancer and I agreed, he said. We talked about the risks involved, how to prepare for the surgery, and what would happen during the surgery, but it was what happened after prostate surgery that I didnt expect. He never told me about the potential for bladder leaks.
I thought it was probably normal to have some incontinence after prostate surgery, but 6 weeks after I had the catheter removed, I was still unable to stand up without leaking urine. Ill never forget the day I had my catheter taken out. I came home, had a beer to celebrate, and immediately it all just rushed out of me when I stood up a half-hour later. I just didnt expect this to happen and was really worried that it was going to become a permanent part of my life.
I went in for a checkup, and thats when my doctor told me that this is a common side effect for some men. He told me that the leaks would likely recover with time, and he went through my options and discussed what I could do to help speed up the recovery process, which was helpful. I just wish he would have told me all this sooner, before the surgery. At least then, I could have known what to expect.
Alans story isnt uncommon. Undergoing a prostatectomy can be difficult. And for many men, finding that they are incontinent post-surgery may come as a shock.
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Cialis For Treatment Of Urinary Problems
Cialis is a medication commonly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. Tadalafil has also been shown to help with symptoms of an enlarged prostate in men with mild-to-moderate symptoms.
Cialis 5 mg daily is a beneficial medication for men with mild to moderate symptoms of BPH. Tadalafil 5 mg can be taken every morning or every evening. Studies show that Cialis does not affect the dynamics of urine flow but appears to affect sensation. The exact mechanism of its effect on the urinary tract is not well understood. Unlike medications such as Proscarand Avodart, Cialis does not shrink the prostate and does not decrease the rate of growth of the prostate gland.
Over time, most men taking Cialis for BPH will experience worsening of urinary symptoms, at which point other medications or minimally invasive surgical treatment options will need to be considered.
Men who have mild symptoms are usually very satisfied with Cialis daily as it also helps with getting and keeping erections. Some men experience side effects of Cialis daily. For them, other options for treatment of BPH include Urolift and Flomax.
For men with mild to moderate symptoms of enlarged prostate and ED , Cialis is an attractive option of one pill addressing two problems.
Who Performs The Urolift System Treatment
A urologist, a doctor specialising in the treatment of diseases of the urinary system and sex organs, uses the UroLift System to treat urinary symptoms due to enlarged prostate. The urologist completes comprehensive training prior to using the UroLift System.
Urolift® treatment is available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Belfast and is carried out by our consultant urologist Mr. Ajay Pahuja
If you would like to book an appointment or require further information on the available options, please do not hesitate to contact our private patient booking team via our online enquiry form.
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Is Incontinence More Common In Women
Incontinence is much more commonly seen in women than in men. A large part of this is because of pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Each of these events in a womans life can lead to bladder control issues. Pregnancy can be a short-term cause of incontinence and the bladder control issues typically get better after the baby is born. Some women experience incontinence after delivery because of the strain childbirth takes on the pelvic floor muscles. When these muscles are weakened, youre more likely to experience leakage issues. Menopause causes your body to go through a lot of change. Your hormones change during menopause and this can alter your bladder control.
Men can also experience incontinence, but it isnt as common as it is in women.