Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), often known as enlarged prostate, is a common disorder that develops in men as they age. While it is not cancer and does not progress to cancer, it can create unpleasant symptoms and disturb everyday living. Let’s look at what BPH is, why it occurs, how it feels, and what you can do to treat it.
What is BPH?
BPH stands for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Simply put, it means that the prostate gland has become larger than usual. In men, the prostate is a small gland located just behind the bladder. It promotes sperm production. As men age, this gland normally grows. However, if it becomes too large, it can press against the urethra—the tube that takes pee from the bladder out of the body—causing urination problems.
What Causes BPH?
The specific cause of BPH is unknown, but aging and hormones are significant contributors. Here are a few prevalent factors:
• Prostate enlargement is common among males over 50 years old. By age 60, roughly half of men have BPH, and by age 85, up to 90% may have it.
• Men’s hormone levels vary as they age, including testosterone. These alterations may cause the prostate to enlarge.
• Family history: Having a father or brother with BPH may increase your risk of developing it.
• Lifestyle factors such as inactivity, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease can raise the risk.
Common Symptoms of BPH
Because BPH affects the urinary system, most symptoms involve urinating. You may notice:
- Weak or slow urine flow
- Difficulty commencing urination.
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Feeling the need to urinate even after urinating, Urgent need to urinate
- An intermittent stream
In severe situations, inability to urinate at all (requiring rapid medical intervention).
These symptoms can be bothersome and can impair your sleep and quality of life, but the good news is that there are effective therapies available.
Treatment Options for BPH
Not every case of BPH requires prompt treatment. If your symptoms are minor, your doctor may recommend easy modifications and regular check-ups. However, if symptoms are more bothersome, there are numerous therapy options:
1. Lifestyle Changes
Limit evening drinks to prevent overnight urination.
Avoid coffee and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder.
Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid delaying toilet trips, since this can strain the bladder.
2. Medications
There are two types of medications used to treat BPH:
• Tamsulosin is an example of an alpha-blocker that relaxes prostate and bladder muscles, facilitating urination.
• Finasteride is an example of a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, which shrinks the prostate over time. Some guys may require a combination of both sorts.
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
If drugs do not work, your doctor may recommend a treatment to shrink the prostate. These are frequently performed as outpatient procedures, and include:
• The UroLift® System uses small implants to lift and hold prostate tissue out of the way.
• TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): A standard surgery for removing extra prostate tissue.
4. Surgery.
In rare, more severe situations, surgery may be required to remove part of the prostate.
