Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, more commonly referred to as BPH, is a condition that affects many men as they age. This condition can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as increased urination frequency and difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine. In this blog post, I will discuss the causes and symptoms of BPH, along with available treatment options. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please speak with your doctor to learn more about how BPH may be affecting you.

 

What is prostate hyperplasia?

Prostate hyperplasia is an enlargement of the prostate gland. The condition is also called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and adenofibromyomatous hyperplasia. Prostate hyperplasia occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to grow and multiply. 

 

The resulting enlargement can cause urinary problems, such as difficulty urinating or a weak stream of urine. Prostate hyperplasia is a common condition in men over the age of 50. Treatment options include medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes. 

 

Prostate hyperplasia is not cancerous and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, the two conditions may occur together. It can be a serious condition if left untreated. Urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and bladder stones are all potential complications. 

 

BPH is diagnosed through a digital rectal exam, prostate-specific antigen test, imaging or urinary flow test. Treatment options include watchful waiting, medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Prostate hyperplasia is a common condition that affects many older men. With proper treatment, most men are able to live normal, healthy lives.

 

What causes prostate hyperplasia?

BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland due to an increase in the number of cells in the prostate gland. This may be due to a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, aging, and genetics. In rare cases, prostate hyperplasia may be due to malignant growth of the gland. 

 

What are the symptoms of prostate hyperplasia?

The symptoms of prostate hyperplasia can include:

 

– Urinary frequency

– Urinary urgency

– Difficulty urinating

– Weak or interrupted urine stream

– Straining to urinate

– Incomplete bladder emptying

– Dribbling after urination

– Urinary incontinence

-Frequent nighttime urination 

 

These symptoms (more commonly referred to as lower urinary tract symptoms or LUTS) can be caused by an enlarged prostate occluding the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body). Prostate enlargement is a common condition among older men. While it is not usually a serious threat to health, it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.

 

How do you diagnose prostate hyperplasia?

There are a few key ways to diagnose prostate hyperplasia. The first is through a digital rectal exam, where the doctor feels the prostate for any enlargement. 

 

Another way is through a prostate-specific antigen test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood. If the PSA level is elevated, it may be an indication of prostate enlargement. 

 

Finally, an ultrasound or MRI scan can be used to visualize the prostate and look for any signs of enlargement.

 

The quality of voiding is also measured as it is an indirect indicator of prostate enlargement. By measuring the flow of urine and by assessing the residual volume in the bladder after voiding predictions can be made of the extent of the enlargement. 

 

What are the treatments for BPH?

There are two main types of treatment for prostate hyperplasia: medical and surgical. 

 

Medical Treatments

Medical treatment involves the use of drugs to shrink the enlarged prostate. The most common drug used is finasteride, which can reduce the size of the prostate by up to 50%. Other drugs that may be used include dutasteride and alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin.

 

Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatment involves the removal of part or all of the prostate. The most common type of surgery is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which means removing a part of the prostate through the urethra. Other types of surgery include open prostatectomy and laser ablation.

 

BPH is a common condition, and treatment options are available to help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Talk to your doctor about which treatment option is right for you.

 

Can you get cancer from prostate hyperplasia?

No, you cannot get cancer from prostate hyperplasia. Prostate hyperplasia is a benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Cancer of the prostate is a separate condition that is not caused by an enlarged prostate. 

 

What kind of doctor treats prostate hyperplasia?

A urologist is a doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Urologists can treat prostate hyperplasia by shrinking the enlarged prostate gland. If you think you may have BPH, talk to your doctor about making an appointment with a urologist.

I need a second opinion about my prostate problems, how can you help?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with prostate hyperplasia, we encourage you to book an appointment with our urologist. Dr. Judit Bonkovic-Oszi is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating this condition. With early diagnosis and treatment, most men can expect a full recovery.