Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate, frequently occurring in men over the age of 50. “Benign” means the enlargement isn’t caused by cancer or infection, “hyperplasia” means enlargement. As the prostate grows bigger, it may press on the urethra and cause the flow of urine to be slower and less forceful.
Symptoms of BPH
Symptoms of BPH start most times gradually. One symptom is the need to get up more often at night to urinate and the need to empty the bladder often during the day. Other symptoms include difficulty in starting the urine flow and dribbling after urination ends. The size and strength of the urine stream may decrease. Be aware that these symptoms can also be caused by other things besides BPH, such as prostate cancer. Blockage of the urethra from BPH may lead to repeated urinary tract infections, a sudden inability to urinate, or gradual bladder and/or kidney damage.
Diagnosis of BPH
The prostate lies in front of the rectum, that’s why your doctor will most likely perform a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE). A DRE is an exam in which a specialist inserts a gloved, lubricated finger in the rectum to feel the back of the prostate gland through the rectal wall.
What are the Consequences of BPH?
BPH is not cancer and has not been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, both conditions can exist together. That’s why your doctor might perform additional tests. BPH generally does not interfere with sexual functioning.
Treatment of BPH
A doctor may suggest the “watchful waiting approach” to see if the symptoms get better because sometimes mild symptoms get better on their own. If the symptoms get worse, the doctor may suggest surgery. Surgery is considered the most effective treatment and is used in men with strong symptoms. This is also the best way to diagnose and cure early cancer of the prostate. Surgery does have risks, such as bleeding, infection or impotence.
BPH can also be treated with medications, nonsurgical procedures that use heat to destroy excess tissue, or surgery. Medications work to relax the muscle tissue in the prostate or by reducing the amount of certain hormones.
