Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in men in which the prostate gland is enlarged and not cancerous.
Causes
- A higher proportion of estrogen within the prostate increases the activity of substances that promote prostate cell growth.
- The accumulation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may encourage prostate cells to continue to grow.
NOTE: Men who do not produce DHT do not develop benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Risk Factors
- Age 40 years and older
- Family history of benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Medical conditions, such as obesity, heart and circulatory disease, and type 2 diabetes
- Lack of physical exercise
- Erectile dysfunction
Symptoms
- Urinary frequency — urination eight or more times a day
- Urinary urgency — the inability to delay urination
- Trouble starting a urine stream
- A weak or an interrupted urine stream
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Nocturia — frequent urination during periods of sleep
- Urinary retention
- Urinary incontinence — accidental loss of urine
- Pain after ejaculation or during urination
- Urine that has an unusual color or smell
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider will gather a personal and family medical history, conduct a physical exam and order medical tests to include a digital rectal exam of the prostate.
Treatment
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Surgery — Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
- This is the gold standard for treating a blockage of the urethra. During this procedure, a urologist inserts a resectoscope through the urethra to reach the prostate. There, the doctor cuts pieces of enlarged prostate tissue with a wire loop. Then, special fluid carries the tissue pieces into the bladder. At the end of the procedure, the urologist flushes out the tissue pieces.