Docs blame lifestyle for prostate ills

Kochi: September being the prostate-awareness month world over, doctors from leading hospitals in Kochi say prostatic diseases are common among aging men causing significant morbidity. Most attribute prostate diseases to modern lifest-yle while some blame aging, weather change, travel-related stress and impurity of drinking wa-ter. Frequent urination may be a sign of prostate disease, doctors say.

Dr Datson George, consultant, Lakeshore Hospital, says prostate diseases are too common in our area with around 60% of the male population having it. Dr. Kishore T A, consultant urologist with Aster Medcity, says early diagnosis is crucial as treatment using medicines will get results in the first stage but laser surgeries are necessary in the second stage.

“Benign Prostatic Hype-rplasia (BPH) is a condition defined by microscopic excessive growth, which over a period, translates into the gross enlargement of the gland visible to the naked eye. BPH is a condition in which men experience difficulty in passage of urine due to enlargement of the prostate gland. It begins before 30 years and approximately 8% of men turn microscopic BPH by 40 years, 50% by 60 years and 90% by 90 years of age. Patients with BPH commonly complain of frequent urination at night, difficulty in passing urine, incomplete emptying of the bladder,” says Dr Datson George.

“To cope with the symptoms, the patient starts restricting water and other fluid intake and being conscious of his urination, being on the look-out of toilet location wherever he goes, urinating before going on long trips outdoors, where he might not have access to loos such as on a long-distance bus journey. These coping strategies further restrict the patient’s quality of life,” says Dr. Kishore.

“It is also important to note that the size of the prostate doesn't necessarily determine the severity of your symptoms. Some men with slightly enlarged prostates can have significant symptoms, while other men with enlarged prostates can have minor urinary symptoms. And if left untreated, the urinary problems might lead to obstruction of the urinary tract and affect prostate health. It is critical to consult your doctor and not shy away from the issue. Your doctor can help you choose the best care based on your age, health, and how the condition affects you,” says Dr Kishore.

“It is important to note that the symptoms of BPH are like those produced by more lethal diseases, such as prostate cancer. Therefore, it is vital to visit a doctor or specialist to understand what and how severe the actual problem is,” said Dr Datson George adding diagnosis of BPH is made by a mixture of physical, radiographic examinations and a few lab tests.