Prostate Awareness Month: Tips to keep prostate health in check amid the pandemic

Pay close attention to some of the signs. (Source: Getty Images)

Diagnosis of BPH requires a mixture of physical, radiographic examinations and a few lab tests. Physical examination includes DRE (digital rectal examination) — a physical examination of the prostate — that is important to differentiate it from palpable prostate cancer. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound also indicates the size of the prostate gland. Lab tests include PSA (Prostate-specific antigen), a protein that is made only by the prostate. When the prostate is healthy, very little PSA is found in the blood. This is applicable to new patients (those presenting for the first time).

Management of uncomplicated BPH is possible through lifestyle modifications and medications

*Fluid intake should be within 1.5-2 litres per day, according to the climate.
*Avoid or cut down on caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, etc. A healthy diet, yoga and relaxation not only helps keep your sugars, blood pressure and cholesterol (which are believed to cause BPH and its progression) in check, but also get rid of constipation, which worsens BPH symptoms.
*Sleep for 7-8 hours daily.
*It is essential to at least tele-consult your urologist and get a prescription before starting any drug therapy in these times.

Dr George mentioned that surgical removal of prostatic tissue is the last step if symptoms are uncontrolled by medication or if complications like infections, stones, kidney damage develop. “Minimal risk of prostate surgery under normal circumstances has been amplified to the high-risk category during the covid period despite the availability and use of cutting-edge surgical technology. This is because of the potentially deleterious effects of coronavirus on all our major organs, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart and brain. A nCoV-19-positive postoperative patient has double the risk of complications. Therefore, it is prudent to conduct surgery only in case of life-threatening conditions like uncontrollable or excessive bleeding. Otherwise, it is safer to wait until the pandemic situation clears.”

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Adding a note of warning, the urologist said, “Importantly, in these times more than ever, the patient should be vigilant to watch out for the development of ‘red flag signs’:

*Sudden inability to pass urine with accompanying lower abdominal pain
*Burning or passing blood or pus during urination
*Sudden onset of severe pain in the flanks
*Swelling around the eyes, on the feet
*Inability or difficulty attaining and maintaining an erection

In these cases, he should visit his doctor immediately and seek proper treatment without delay.

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