Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH

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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH - Enlarged Prostate)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH - Enlarged Prostate)

What is the Prostate Gland?

The prostate is a small organ about the size of a walnut. It lies below the bladder (where urine is stored) and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder). The prostate makes a fluid that helps to nourish sperm as part of the semen (ejaculatory fluid).

Prostate problems are common in men 50 and older. Most can be treated successfully without harming sexual function. A urologist is a specialist in diseases of the urinary system, including diagnosing and treating problems of the prostate gland.

How does the doctor detect prostate enlargement?

A doctor usually can detect an enlarged prostate by rectal exam. The doctor also may examine the urethra, prostate, and bladder using a cytoscope, an instrument that is inserted through the penis.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is nonmalignant (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate gland, a common occurrence in older men. It is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia and abbreviated as BPH.

When does benign prostatic hyperplasia start?

BPH generally begins in a man's 30s, evolves slowly, and most commonly only causes symptoms after 50.

What happens in BPH? What are symptoms of BPH?

Prostate Examination

In BPH, the prostate gland grows in size. It may compress the urethra which courses through the center of the prostate. This can impede the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra to the outside. It can cause urine to back up in the bladder (retention) leading to the need to urinate frequently during the day and night. Other common symptoms include a slow flow of urine, the need to urinate urgently and difficulty starting the urinary stream. More serious problems include urinary tract infections and complete blockage of the urethra, which may be a medical emergency and can lead injury to the kidneys.

Male Reproductive Tract

How common is BPH? Are there any risk factors?

BPH is extremely common. Half of all men over 50 develop symptoms of BPH, but only 10% need medical or surgical intervention.

Is BPH a type of cancer?

No! BPH is completely benign. It is not a precursor (a forerunner) to prostate cancer.

Is BPH always treated?

No. Treatment of BPH is usually reserved for men with significant symptoms. Watchful waiting with medical monitoring once a year is appropriate for most men with BPH.

Operation Sketch

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia At A Glance

* The prostate gland makes a fluid that becomes part of the semen.
* Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) involves enlargement of the prostate gland.
* The prostate enlargement in BPH is not malignant.
* BPH can impede the flow of urine.
* Symptoms include frequent urge to urinate, difficulty urinating and dribbling of urine.
* The treatment of BPH is usually reserved for men with significant symptoms.
* Medical and surgical approaches are available to treat BPH.

Featured:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) is very common in men over 50 years of age. This noncancerous enlargement of the prostate can impede urine flow, slow the flow of urine, create the urge to urinate frequently and cause other symptoms like complete blockage of urine and urinary tract infections. Treatment may involve watchful waiting, medication, or surgery.

Prostate Problem Warning Signs

Find out when you should seek medical attention for prostate problems.The prostate is a small organ about the size of a walnut. It is found below the bladder (where urine is stored) and surrounds the tube that carries urine away from the bladder (urethra). The prostate makes a fluid that becomes part of semen. Semen is the white fluid that contains sperm.

Prostate problems are common in men age 50 and older. Sometimes men feel symptoms themselves, or sometimes their doctors find prostate problems during routine exams. Doctors who are experts in diseases of the urinary tract (urologists) diagnose and treat prostate problems.

There are many different kinds of prostate problems. Many don't involve cancer, but some do. Treatments vary but prostate problems can often be treated without affecting sexual function.

Signs of Prostate Problems

* Frequent urge to urinate
* Blood in urine or semen
* Painful or burning urination
* Difficulty in urinating
* Difficulty in having an erection
* Painful ejaculation
* Frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, or upper thighs
* Inability to urinate, or
* Dribbling of urine

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away to find out if you need treatment.

Authored by: Rahul Bhanot This question has been viewed 296 times so far.

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