What is prostate hypertrophy?

The prostate is an important part of the male body, and plays a very important role in the health of the male urinary system and reproductive system. Prostatic hypertrophy is also a common male disease. This problem will have many effects on men, so male patients must seek timely treatment if they have this disease. Below, we will introduce you to the relevant knowledge about prostatic hypertrophy, also known as prostatic hyperplasia!

1. Overview

Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease among middle-aged and elderly men. The incidence of BPH is increasing with the aging of the global population. The incidence of BPH increases with age, but there are not necessarily clinical symptoms when there is hyperplasia. The incidence rate in urban areas is higher than in rural areas, and racial differences also affect the degree of hyperplasia.

2. Causes

There are many studies on the pathogenesis of prostatic hyperplasia, but the cause has not been clarified yet. It may be due to the disruption of the balance between epithelial and stromal cell proliferation and cell apoptosis, and other related factors: androgen and its interaction with estrogen, the interaction between prostatic stroma and glandular epithelial cells, growth factors, inflammatory cells, neurotransmitters and genetic factors. It is currently known that prostatic hyperplasia must have two conditions: functional testicles and aging. In recent years, it has also been noted that smoking, obesity and alcoholism, family history, race and geographical environment have a relationship with the occurrence of BPH.

3. Diagnosis

Patients with prostatic hyperplasia are elderly patients who often have other chronic diseases. When making a diagnosis, attention should be paid to the patient's overall condition, and detailed interviews, physical examinations, and tests should be performed, with attention paid to the heart, lung, liver, and kidney functions. The combination of dysuria symptoms and various tests can provide a clear diagnosis.

1.IPSS score

In 1995, the International Society of Urology (SIU) launched the IPSS scoring system, which attempts to quantify symptoms for easy comparison and to assist diagnosis. It can also be used as a standard for post-treatment evaluation. The system determines the score by answering 6 questions, with a maximum score of 35 points. Currently, it is considered that scores below 7 are mild, 7 to 18 are moderate, and 18 points or more are severe and require surgical treatment. IPSS is currently internationally recognized as the best means to judge the severity of symptoms in BPH patients, but it is mainly a subjective reflection of the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms in BPH patients, and has no obvious correlation with maximum urine flow rate, residual urine volume, and prostate volume. This scoring system can be used to assist diagnosis and treatment in clinical work.

2. Ask about medical history

(1) Characteristics, duration and associated symptoms of lower urinary tract symptoms;

(2) History of surgery or trauma, especially pelvic surgery or trauma;

(3) Understand the patient's medical history, including sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes, nervous system diseases, and heart disease that may be related to nocturia;

(4) Medication history: to understand whether the patient is currently or recently taking any medication that affects the bladder outlet function or causes LUTS;

(5) The patient’s general condition.