Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate, is a common condition in men, especially as they age. And while the exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, hormonal changes and aging are believed to play key roles.

Where is the prostate gland?

Normally the size of a walnut, the prostate gland sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that moves urine from the bladder out of the body).

An enlarged prostate is not cancer.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer.

Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia:

An urgent need to urinate

An urgent need to urinate can be a sign of an enlarged prostate. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. When the prostate is enlarged, it can put pressure on the urethra, causing symptoms such as a frequent or urgent need to urinate.

Increased frequency of urination, especially at night (nocturia)

During the night, when the body is at rest, the increased pressure on the bladder can result in more trips to the bathroom, disrupting sleep patterns and causing discomfort for individuals experiencing this symptom. If left untreated, an enlarged prostate can continue to worsen, further aggravating urinary symptoms and affecting overall quality of life.

Inability to urinate or straining while urinating

An enlarged prostate can lead to urinary difficulties such as an inability to urinate or straining while trying to do so. The flow of urine can be blocked or obstructed, causing problems with starting or stopping urination and leading to symptoms like dribbling or incomplete emptying of the bladder.

Weak urine stream

As the prostate gland grows larger, it can obstruct the flow of urine, leading to difficulties in starting or maintaining a strong stream. This can result in a weak or interrupted urine flow, making it challenging to fully empty the bladder.

Older husband and wife

What does the research say?

○ The risk of BPH increases with age after age 40

○ Black and Hispanic men are at a higher risk

○ Men with male relatives who have enlarged prostates are more at risk for developing symptoms

○ Conditions associated with heart disease, like diabetes, are also linked to BPH

○ Obesity increases the risk of BPH, while exercise has been shown to lower your risk

Enlarged prostate treatment

Prostatic artery embolization

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate. and an alternative to surgery.

Surgery for an enlarged prostate can cause long-term complications, such as impotence, the need for a second operation, and loss of bladder control.