Benign prostate hyperplasia

Benign prostate hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostate enlargement, is a common condition as men get older. It involves enlargement of the prostate gland, leading to various urinary symptoms, most notably difficulty in starting urination, a weak urine stream, frequent urination at night, and inability to completely empty the bladder.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of BPH is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in hormone levels, including testosterone and especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), as men age. Risk factors for developing BPH include aging, family history of the condition, lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity, and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of BPH can vary, but they mainly affect urinary function. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
• Frequent urination, especially at night (Nocturia)
• Urgent need to urinate
• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Dribbling at the end of urination

In some cases, BPH can lead to more serious conditions such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or kidney damage.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of BPH typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, including a digital rectal exam (DRE), and various tests. These tests may include:

• Urine tests (Urinalysis)
• Blood tests to check kidney function and to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
• Urinary flow test
• Postvoid residual volume test
• Cystoscopy
• Ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment for BPH depends on the severity of symptoms and can range from lifestyle changes and medications to various surgical options. Medications commonly used to treat BPH include alpha blockers, which relax bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate making urination easier, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which reduce the size of the prostate gland. For more severe cases, surgical options such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser therapy, or prostatectomy may be recommended.

Prevention

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent BPH, leading a healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a balanced diet.

See Also

• Prostate cancer
• Urinary tract infection
• Kidney stones