Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, is a common condition affecting men as they age. While it's not cancerous, it can cause a variety of bothersome urinary symptoms.
What is BPH?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. As men age, the prostate can enlarge, which can squeeze the urethra and restrict urine flow.
Symptoms of BPH
An enlarged prostate can lead to several urinary symptoms, including:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Urgency to urinate
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
Diagnosis of BPH
Diagnosing BPH often involves a combination of:
- Medical history and physical exam: Including a digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel the prostate.
- Urine tests: To rule out infection or other conditions.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test: A blood test that can help screen for prostate cancer (often done in conjunction with BPH evaluation).
- Urodynamic tests: Measure the flow of urine and how well the bladder is functioning.
- Cystoscopy: A procedure where a small camera is inserted into the urethra to visualize the prostate and bladder.
Treatment Options for BPH
Treatment for BPH depends on the severity of symptoms and individual patient factors. Options include:
- Lifestyle changes: Such as limiting fluid intake before bed, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and practicing double voiding.
- Medications: Alpha-blockers to relax the prostate muscles and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to shrink the prostate.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Such as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), laser prostatectomy, and UroLift.
- Surgery: In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part of the prostate.
When to See a Urologist
If you are experiencing any symptoms of an enlarged prostate, it's important to see a urologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and management can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
