Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a relatively common condition in men, age 50 or older. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, the small walnut-shaped gland that sits below the bladder in males and helps produce seminal fluid. BPH can cause bothersome urinary symptoms, such as difficulty in starting to urinate, increased frequency of needing to urinate, weak or intermittent urinary stream, straining to urinate or painful urination. These symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate pressing on the urethra.

What Causes Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

The exact cause of BPH is not known, but it appears to be related to a hormone imbalance or abnormality in the prostate gland itself. This hormonal imbalance has been seen in aging men, and it has also been associated with stress and other medical problems.

Symptoms of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Symptoms of symptomatic BPH include:

• A frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Difficulty in starting to urinate
• Weak or interrupted urinary stream
• Straining to urinate
• Painful urination
• Passing frequent small amounts of urine
• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Blood in the urine (in rare cases)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and will do a physical examination. Tests such as an ultrasound, a prostate biopsy, or a urine test may be done to help in diagnosing BPH. Treatment options include medical therapies (such as alpha blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and medications to treat the symptoms), behavioral therapies (such as limiting fluids and avoiding caffeine or alcohol), and more invasive procedures (such as a transurethral resection of the prostate or a prostatectomy).

Living with Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Most men can live a normal and active life with BPH as long as they follow their doctor's advice and treatments. The key is to watch for changes in symptoms and alert your doctor if needed. Some preventive steps that may help include: drinking plenty of fluids, exercising regularly, and taking medications as prescribed.