BPH
As you age, your prostate gland can become enlarged, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply. These additional cells cause your prostate gland to swell, which squeezes the urethra and limits urine flow. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications.
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Symptoms
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Nocturia, which is the need to urinate two or more times per night
- Dribbling at the end of your urinary stream
- Incontinence, or leakage of urine
- Straining when urinating
- A weak urinary stream
- A sudden urge to urinate
- A slowed or delayed urinary stream
- Painful urination
- Blood in the urine
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Causes
- Aging
- Hormonal Changes
- Lifestyle Factors
- Chronic Inflammation
- Ethnicity
Complications
Complications of BPH include:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Acute Urinary Retention
Bladder Stones
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Hematuria (Blood in Urine)
Bladder Diverticula
Bladder Damage
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Retention
FAQ
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly occurs as men age. Unlike prostate cancer, BPH does not increase the risk of developing cancer and is not considered a precursor to cancer.
Common symptoms of BPH include frequent or urgent need to urinate, difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream, dribbling at the end of urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and nocturia (waking up at night to urinate).
BPH is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, urinalysis, and imaging studies like ultrasound or cystoscopy.
Factors that contribute to the development of BPH include aging, hormonal changes, family history, obesity, lifestyle factors, heart diseases, Diabetes mellitus.
Treatment options for BPH vary depending on the severity of symptoms and may include lifestyle modifications, medications , minimally invasive procedures (like transurethral microwave thermo therapy), and surgical interventions (such as transurethral resection of the prostate or laser therapy).
Medications for BPH work by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck or reducing the prostate gland size. Common side effects may include dizziness, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation.
Surgery for BPH may be recommended when symptoms are severe or do not improve with medications or other treatments. Surgical options include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser surgery, open prostatectomy, and minimally invasive procedures like transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) or prostate artery embolization (PAE).
Yes, lifestyle changes such as limiting fluid intake before bedtime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and practicing pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) may help alleviate symptoms of BPH.
Yes, untreated BPH can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, acute urinary retention, chronic kidney disease, and urinary incontinence. It's essential to seek medical evaluation and appropriate treatment for BPH to prevent complications.
The frequency of follow-up visits with your healthcare provider may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the chosen treatment plan. Generally, regular follow-up visits are recommended to monitor symptoms, assess treatment effectiveness, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
