Benign prostatic hypertrophy develops slowly. It first appears at the cellular level at the age of 35-40 and then progressively begins to cause mild discomfort during urination. Between the ages of 50 and 60, these symptoms begin to become more apparent.

The radius of urination decreases, the flow of urine is interrupted and alternates with unsightly drops, urination takes time to complete and the erection begins to become unsatisfactory.

Today, with the development of medical technology running at a dizzying pace, treating the condition is easier and more effective than ever. But it needs, initially, monitoring and correct information.

Starting with the diagnosis

“Benign prostatic hypertrophy cannot be described as a condition in the typical sense. That is, it is not a disease, therefore a man with an enlarged prostate is not sick.
But prostatic hypertrophy is a condition that can cause diseases such as reflux nephropathy, significantly affect the quality of life due to the change in the frequency and quality of urination, cause disturbances in a man’s sexual life and can include a cancer of the prostate”, points out Mrs. Matina Vlachou Director Urologist at Metropolitan Hospital.

His modern diagnostic approach, therefore, moves along 3 axes:
1. Assessing the history and quality of life of the man, often using special tools to reduce the subjectivity of the information such as the IPSS SCORE
2. The evaluation of the architecture of the prostate, i.e. its size, shape and relationship with the surrounding tissues. This is done using an imaging method such as ultrasound or MRI
3. The evaluation of his behavior during the functioning of the drainage system, ie urination. The urometry and sometimes the urodynamic study will help in this direction.
“The diagnostic process is best completed by assessing kidney function and the relative likelihood of prostate cancer with blood tests, psa testing, and a digital exam.
This is the minimum preventive annual assessment to which every man must undergo starting from 40-45 years, so that there is his own clear picture which, if necessary, will lead to the best and timely treatment”, explains the specialist.

Does it affect men’s sex life?

“Of course it affects her, and in fact, the more intense the problems resulting from prostate hypertrophy, the more intense the effects on their sex life and erection. That is why it is very helpful to apply special treatments with medical devices or shock wave treatments aimed both at improving the symptoms of benign hypertrophy and improving erectile function and quality of life. Also, by choosing newer pharmaceutical treatments, aimed at the restoration of both problems at the same time, we improve the quality of life and the symptoms of hypertrophy at the same time”, he adds.

Is there an invasive treatment without affecting the sex life?

“Of course there is. Now we have the REZUM method in our hands. This method essentially shrinks the size of the prostate, i.e. reducing its volume, without removing any part or tissue. This is carried out in a minimally invasive way using the action of steam and without the need for incisions or holes that injure the body. In addition, it is a short operation performed under local anesthesia and/or systemic sedation (intoxication) without necessarily requiring general anesthesia. The hospital stay lasts a few hours and the patient soon returns to his daily activities. And in the end, his sex life remains unchanged,” concludes Ms. Vlachou.