Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) otherwise known as benign prostatic hypertrophy is the enlargement of the prostate.

BPH is very common that it has been said all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough.

Patients with BPH can experience a variety of signs or symptoms such as

• difficulty urinating (hesitation, dribbling, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying)
• painful urination
• urinary frequency
• urinary urgency

The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. However certain factors such as age and changes in the cells of the testicles may play a role.

The treatment options include watchful waiting and self-care (lifestyle changes), medications, and surgery in some cases.

Patients should visit their doctor each year to monitor symptoms and determine if a change in treatment is warranted.

The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. However certain factors such as age and changes in the cells of the testicles may play a role.

Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age, usually before puberty, do not develop BPH.

Some factors associated with BPH:

• The likelihood of developing BPH, increases with age
• A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40. More than 90% of men over age 80 have the BPH.

See your doctor for trouble urinating, a weak stream, or needing to urinate often, especially at night. Seek urgent care if you cannot urinate at all, or have blood in your urine, fever, or severe pain.