What is it?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It is very common in men as they get older and can cause troublesome urinary symptoms by pressing on the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder).
Key Symptoms:
- Slow or weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Urgency (sudden strong need to urinate)
Causes & Risk Factors:
- Age (more common in men over 50)
- Family history of prostate problems
- Hormonal changes with ageing
- Obesity and lack of exercise can increase risk
Diagnosis:
Evaluation may include:
- Medical history and symptom questionnaire
- Physical exam including a digital rectal exam (DRE)
- Urine test to rule out infection
- Blood test (PSA) to check prostate health
- Bladder scan or flow test to assess urine emptying
Treatment Options:
- Lifestyle changes: Reduce evening fluid intake, limit caffeine/alcohol, maintain healthy weight.
- Medications: Alpha-blockers (relax prostate muscle), 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (shrink prostate), or combination therapy.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Treatments using heat, steam, or implants to open the urinary channel.
- Surgery: Options such as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) for more severe cases.
Why seek help?
BPH is not cancer, but it can seriously impact quality of life and, in severe cases, damage the bladder or kidneys if left untreated. Safe and effective treatments are available, tailored to symptom severity and patient preference.