Medica’s Urology Expert explains the Myths and Facts About Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH)

~ BPH causes troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms in two out of every five Indian males~

Mumbai/Kolkata, 14th June 2022: Medica Superspecialty Hospital, the largest private hospital chain in Eastern India, hosted a webinar titled Prostate Problems: Myths & Facts as part of their initiative to provide patients with useful information through their weekly series “Health is the ultimate wealth”. The weekly webinar was hosted by Dr. Alok Roy, Chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals, along with Dr. Sujit K Sinha, Consultant, Department of Urology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, who discussed the various harmful myths surrounding the treatment of prostate-related conditions.

Dr. Alok Roy, Chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals, commenced the session by stating, “Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) is more prevalent than prostate cancer. Benign indicates that the prostate is not cancerous, and hypertrophy means that the gland is enlarging.”

According to Dr. Sujit K Sinha, Expert Consultant in the Department of Urology, “The signs and symptoms of prostate problems are divided into two categories: irritative symptoms and obstructive symptoms. The irritative symptoms are the ones that start earlier like urinary frequency there is an urgency that cannot be avoided. Those who exhibit symptoms require immediate attention. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become obstructive due to a blockage in the urinary flow, which causes poor flow. There is a common misconception that urinary flow slows with age; however, the poor flow is caused by the prostate compressing the urethra, and as the disease progresses, patients are unable to pass urine in one go. If the symptoms are ignored, the kidneys will swell and become damaged, resulting in urine retention and bilateral hydroureteronephrosis.”

Dr. Sujit K Sinha went on to discuss the myths surrounding the effective treatment of BPH, such as:

BPH is linked to prostate cancer: There is no link between BPH and prostate cancer because their causes are distinct. The transitional zone is associated with benign disease, whereas the peripheral zone is associated with prostate cancer. Although there is some overlap, the presence of a benign prostate does not always imply the presence of prostate cancer. Surgery for BPH does not eliminate the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Treatment of BPH depends on the size of the prostate: Treatment is unlikely to be affected by prostate size. A large prostate with no bothersome symptoms does not necessitate treatment, whether medical or surgical, whereas a small prostate causing a severe obstruction that jeopardizes the patient’s life necessitates intervention, whether medical or surgical.
Side effects from BPH medication are disruptive to one’s lifestyle: Medication and surgery have come a long way in the last few decades. In Medica, robotic surgery allows patients to recover and return home in a matter of weeks.
Catheter required after surgery for BPH: Surgery for BPH no longer causes urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) because advances in surgery prevent damage to the sphincter, a muscle that holds urine. As a result, there is no need for a Catheter to be attached following surgery.
Patients with prostate problems who are on long-term medication must eat a healthy diet. Prostate-friendly foods include beans, legumes, peanuts, lentils, and soybeans. Furthermore, alcohol consumption should also be restricted. Medica Superspecialty Hospital provides a wide range of treatment and care options for prostate patients, with a focus on elderly patients’ rehabilitation.