"50% of Men in India will have an enlarged prostate by the age of 60"

We often see our grandparents or aging parents dealing with health issues they dismiss as just "part of getting older." But is that really all it is? Take, for example, the frequent urge to pee—1 out of 3 elderly people usually suffer from it. You might have noticed your grandpa making more trips to the bathroom lately. While it may seem like a harmless habit, did you know it could be an early sign of an enlarged prostate?

What is an Enlarged Prostate?

An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), occurs when the prostate gland in the male reproductive system grows larger than normal. It affects about 50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60, and up to 90% of men older than 80. The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As the prostate grows, it can press against the bladder, pinch the urethra, and weaken the bladder muscle, affecting urination. This can make it hard to pass urine or cause difficulty in urinating because the enlarged prostate can partially block the flow of urine out of the bladder.

Causes: Neglect can harm your healthy prostate

An enlarged prostate is so common that if men live long enough, it's almost inevitable. However, awareness of the factors contributing to this condition can make a big difference. Understanding what makes older men more susceptible can help in taking steps to manage or even prevent it. So, let’s explore what you need to know to keep the prostate healthy as the years go by.
● Obesity: Obesity is very common among men in India, with 2.6 crore men being obese. However, very few know it can harm the health of their prostate. Obesity sets off a chain reaction in the body, leading to issues like increased intra-abdominal pressure, hormone imbalances, heightened nervous system activity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Together, these factors create the perfect storm for developing BPH.
● Anxiety: Anxiety and BPH are more connected than you might think. When you're stressed, your body pumps out cortisol, a hormone that can trigger inflammation in your prostate and other areas. This inflammation can lead to, or worsen, BPH. In India, a staggering 82% of men experience moderate to severe stress, putting them at a higher risk of developing an enlarged prostate.
● Sedentary Lifestyle: In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get used to the convenience of doorstep services and desk jobs, often at the expense of our health. With busy schedules, many of us don't prioritize healthy eating or staying active. But here's the catch—this sedentary lifestyle could be taking a toll on your prostate health. Did you know that men who walk just 2 to 3 hours a week can lower their risk of BPH by 25%? Staying active isn’t just good for your overall well-being; it’s crucial for your reproductive health too.

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Preventive measures: Easier than you think
Taking care of your prostate can be easier than you think. Start by adding more fruits, veggies, and healthy fats to your meals. Incorporating foods like berries, broccoli, citrus, nuts, and turmeric can make a difference. A poor diet may worsen your BPH, so if you’re dealing with BPH, try to cut back on processed foods, sugars, and too many carbs. Also, limit alcohol, red meat, dairy, and caffeine. Regular physical activity can improve overall health and potentially reduce the risk of an enlarged prostate. Keeping your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels in check is crucial too.

Treatment options for enlarged prostate you might not know

You might think surgery is the only way to treat BPH. However, without needing severe cuts on your body or spending a week in the hospital, you can get treated.

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate without surgery or general anaesthesia . PAE is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR), who inserts a small tube (catheter)through a blood vessel at the top of the thigh (or wrist). X-rays help the IR guide the tube into the blood vessels feeding the prostate. Next, the IR injects tiny beads through the tube. The beads decrease the prostate’s blood supply, causing it to shrink. This reduces the pressure on the urethra and relieves the urination difficulties.

Medications: For many men, medications are the first line of treatment for an enlarged prostate. Consult an expert doctor who will assist you with this further.

Laser therapy: Another option involves using high-energy lasers to remove excess prostate tissue. Laser therapy can result in less bleeding and quicker recovery compared to other surgical methods.

Surgery: For men with severe symptoms or those who don’t respond to other treatments, surgery may be necessary. While effective, this option usually requires a longer recovery period and is generally considered only when other treatments haven’t worked.


(Dr Karthik Damodharan, Director, Department of Vascular & Interventional Radiology, MIOT international)