Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. It is a very common, non-cancerous condition that affects men as they get older. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder), and as it enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra and cause urinary problems.
Symptoms of BPH
The symptoms of BPH are often called lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and can include:
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate.
- Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia).
- Difficulty starting urination.
- A weak or interrupted urine stream.
- Dribbling at the end of urination.
- Inability to completely empty the bladder.
The severity of symptoms does not necessarily correlate with the size of the prostate. Some men with very enlarged prostates have few symptoms, while others with only slightly enlarged prostates have significant problems.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing BPH involves several steps to assess your symptoms and rule out other conditions like prostate cancer.
- Symptom Score Index: A questionnaire to evaluate the severity of your symptoms.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical exam to feel the size and shape of the prostate.
- Urine Test: To rule out an infection or other conditions.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test to screen for prostate cancer, as BPH and cancer can have similar symptoms. You can learn more at our Prostate Screening page.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they bother you.
- Lifestyle Changes: For mild symptoms, changes like reducing fluid intake before bed, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and timed urination can help.
- Medications: Several types of drugs can be effective. Alpha-blockers (like Tamsulosin) relax the bladder neck muscles, making it easier to urinate. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (like Finasteride) can actually shrink the prostate over time.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures & Surgery: For moderate to severe symptoms, or if medication is not effective, there are various procedures to remove excess prostate tissue and open up the urethra.
Improve Your Quality of Life
You don't have to live with the disruptive symptoms of BPH. A proper evaluation can lead to an effective treatment plan that significantly improves your daily comfort and quality of life.
Book a Urological Consultation