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Urology

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

An enlarged prostate means the gland has an increase in size. Schedule Your Appointment Today.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or Enlarged Prostate, is a common condition in older men. The prostate is the gland that generates some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. 


The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body. An Enlarged Prostate means the gland has an increase in size. About 90% of men over age 80 have developed the condition.



Causes and Risk factors

The causes of prostate enlargement are unknown, but risk factors are linked to aging. Also, changes in the cells of testicles and testosterone levels can lead to the gland enlargement. 


  • Aging. Around one-third of men experience symptoms by the age of 60, and about half by the age of 80. 


  • Family history. You will be more likely to develop the condition having a blood relative (such as a father or a brother) with prostate problems.


  • Diabetes and heart disease. Studies show that patients who have developed diabetes or heart disease might increase the risk of prostate enlargement.


  • Lifestyle. Obesity is a risk factor for developing BPH.



Symptoms

Less than half of all men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia have symptoms, which may include:


  •  Slowness or dribbling in the urinary flow

  •  Difficulty when starting to urinate

  •  Feeling of urgency to urinate

  •  Incomplete emptying of your bladder

  •  Needing to urinate several or more times at night

  •  Pain or blood when urinating

  •  Pain while urinating or after ejaculation

  •  A different smell and color in urine



Diagnosis

  • Digital rectal exam

  • Urine test

  • Blood test

  • A prostate-specific antigen blood test



Treatment

There are several effective treatments for prostate gland enlargement your doctor can prescribe, such as medications, minimally invasive treatments, and surgery. In order to choose the most suitable option, your doctor will consider symptoms, the size of the prostate, and other health conditions you might have.



Living with BPH

When you've been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) and the Urologist has prescribed the right treatment for your case, your follow-up care will depend on the technique to treat the condition.


The Urologist may suggest avoiding or limiting heavy lifting and too much exercise for about a week if minimally invasive therapy took place. If surgery such as robot-assisted prostatectomy was performed, you might need to restrict activity for up to six weeks.     


In the meantime, you can help control the symptoms by following some recommendations:


  • Limit beverages in the evening

  • Limit caffeine and alcohol

  • Schedule bathroom visits

  • Follow a healthy diet

  • Stay active

  • Urinate, and then urinate again a few moments later

  • Keep warm



When Should I visit the Doctor?

It is essential to see a specialist in Urology diagnose Prostate enlargement to start a treatment that helps you to control the symptoms.



When you see your Urologist, try to keep a record and detailed description of the symptoms.  Also, mention any medications you are currently taking. Learning how to deal with prostate enlargement and its symptoms is the first step to keeping it under control.