Enlarged prostate - a disease that causes men to urinate uncontrollably

An enlarged prostate compresses the urethra, causing many older men to urinate frequently at night, have difficulty urinating, and affect sleep.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia occurs when the prostate gland enlarges over time. It is common in older men and can cause frequent urination at night, insomnia, and greatly affect quality of life.

On December 4, Master, Doctor Nguyen Tan Cuong, Deputy Head of the Department of Urology, Center for Urology - Nephrology - Andrology, Tam Anh General Hospital, said that an enlarged prostate compresses the urethra, blocking the flow of urine from the bladder. The result is a lot of urine retention, peaking at 640 ml, while the maximum capacity of the bladder is about 500-600 ml.

Increased prostate size causes difficulty urinating, intermittent urination, weak urine flow, incomplete urination... On the other hand, the bladder muscles must also increase activity so that the urine flow overcomes the resistance of the urethra, leading to frequent urination, urgent urination, and frequent urination at night.

Like Mr. Trung (67 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) who urinates at least twice every night, the amount of urine is very little, dripping, having to sweat, went to Tam Anh Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City for examination.

Ultrasound results showed that the patient's prostate was about 130 grams in size, nearly 5 times larger than normal (about 10-25 grams). The doctor diagnosed Mr. Trung with benign prostatic hyperplasia with bladder outlet obstruction.

Similarly, Mr. Van (56 years old, Buon Ma Thuot) has had insomnia for about three years now, waking up 3-4 times every night to urinate, struggling to get urine out.

In the morning, he was often tired and lethargic due to lack of sleep, not having enough energy to tend the coffee garden. He had to stop drinking water in the afternoon, and did not dare eat soup or fruit for dinner. Recently, the frequency of urination at night increased to 5-6 times, so he went to the doctor. Ultrasound showed that the patient's prostate was almost three times larger than normal, and the urine flow rate was very weak.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia causes urinary dysfunction. Photo: Provided by the hospital — Benign prostatic hyperplasia causes urinary dysfunction. Photo: *Provided by the hospital*

According to Dr. Cuong, the cause of the disease is currently unknown, but it is related to changes in testosterone hormones in the male body, and the older the person, the higher the risk of getting the disease. Although not life-threatening, this disease greatly affects the psychology and quality of life of the patient. If not treated early, the disease can cause serious complications such as chronic urinary retention, urinary tract infections, hematuria, bladder stones and impaired kidney function...

Depending on the stage, there are many effective treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Medical treatment with drugs or herbs is recommended for most patients. When urinary symptoms are severe or there are complications, surgery is required.

Commonly used surgical treatments include transurethral resection of the prostate, bipolar or laser ablation of the prostate, and minimally invasive treatments such as prostate embolization. "95% of prostate hyperplasia surgeries are performed endoscopically through the urethra (urinary tract), rarely requiring open surgery," said Dr. Cuong.

Mr. Trung was treated with transurethral laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). This method helps to remove a large volume of prostate tumor tissue, reduces the risk of recurrence, and significantly improves urinary symptoms. In addition, blood loss is reduced and recovery time is faster than with conventional endoscopic ablation.

Two days after surgery, he urinated easily without straining and slept well at night.

Meanwhile, Mr. Van had his prostate gland removed by endoscopy to relieve urinary obstruction. After the surgery, he could go to the toilet easily, no longer had difficulty urinating or straining, the urine flow was stronger, the frequency of urination at night was reduced, and he slept better.

Doctor Cuong (right) performs endoscopic surgery for a patient with prostate hyperplasia. Photo: Thang Vu — Doctor Cuong (right) performs endoscopic surgery for a patient with prostate hyperplasia. Photo: *Thang Vu*

Dr. Cuong recommends that men over 50 years old should have annual check-ups to detect early prostate-related problems such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. The symptoms of these two diseases have many similarities. Patients need to come for early examination to determine accurately, have appropriate treatment measures, and avoid confusing the two diseases.

In addition, men should supplement foods that are beneficial for prostate health such as green vegetables, fruits, unsaturated fats. Limit consumption of sweets, processed foods, greasy foods, alcohol, dairy, red meat, and salt.

Thang Vu

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