Prostatic hypertrophy

Prostatic Hypertrophy
Other names	Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Specialty	Urology
Symptoms	Increased urinary frequency, nocturia, difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream
Complications	Urinary tract infection, bladder stones, chronic kidney problems
Usual onset	Typically after age 40
Duration	Long term
Causes	Aging, changes in cell growth
Risk factors	Family history, obesity, type 2 diabetes, lack of physical exercise
Diagnostic method	Based on symptoms, medical imaging, urinalysis
Differential diagnosis	Prostate cancer, urinary tract infection
Treatment	Lifestyle changes, medications, surgery
Medication	Alpha blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
Frequency	Common in older men

Prostatic hypertrophy, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland in men. This enlargement can lead to various urinary symptoms, such as difficulty in starting urination, a weak urine stream, increased frequency of urination, and nocturia (the need to urinate frequently during the night). Prostatic hypertrophy is common among older men and is considered a normal part of the aging process in the male reproductive system.

Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms of prostatic hypertrophy are primarily related to the urinary system and include:

• Increased urinary frequency
• Urgency to urinate
• Nocturia
• Hesitancy or difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream or dribbling
• Incomplete bladder emptying

Causes

The exact cause of prostatic hypertrophy is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes as men age. The growth of the prostate is influenced by testosterone and other hormones. Over time, the cells in the central portion of the prostate may begin to multiply, leading to an enlarged gland.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of prostatic hypertrophy is typically based on:

• Medical history
• Physical examination, including a digital rectal exam (DRE)
• Urinalysis to rule out infections or other conditions
• Medical imaging such as ultrasound or MRI of the prostate
• Uroflowmetry, to measure the speed and volume of urine flow

Treatment

Treatment options for prostatic hypertrophy vary depending on the severity of symptoms and can include:

• Lifestyle changes such as reducing fluid intake before bedtime
• Medications, including alpha blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which can help to reduce the size of the prostate or relax the muscles near the prostate to ease symptoms
• Surgical options, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), for more severe cases

Epidemiology

Prostatic hypertrophy is a common condition affecting older men. It is estimated that the condition affects about 50% of men in their 60s and as much as 90% of men over the age of 80.

See Also

• Prostate cancer
• Urinary tract infection
• Urology