BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Overview and Facts

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise called as prostate gland enlargement, is a common disorder for men as they age. This condition can cause uncomfortable and painful urinary symptoms, including obstructing the urine flow from the bladder. Also, it can cause kidney problems and urinary tract infections. 

Furthermore, there are many helpful treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, such as surgery, medications, and invasive therapy. To select the best medical care, your healthcare provider will examine your symptoms, your current health condition, and the size of your prostate. 

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia differ for every person. Most of the common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty in urinating
  • Frequent urination
  • Nocturia or increase of urination at night
  • Incapacity to empty the bladder
  • Weak urine flow

In addition, the other symptoms that may occur are:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Incapacity to urinate

The size of the prostate does not certainly specify the severity of the symptoms. Some males with moderately enlarged prostates could have serious symptoms, whereas others with larger prostates could only have mild symptoms. 

Furthermore, urinary symptoms may have other possible causes similar to the enlargement of the prostate. This condition includes:

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose BPH, your healthcare provider will begin by conducting a physical examination and asking you questions regarding your symptoms. This exam will likely include:

  • Urine test
  • Blood test
  • Digital rectal exam
  • PSA or prostate-specific antigen test

Afterward, your healthcare provider may suggest further tests to help verify your enlarged prostate and determine other problems. These tests may include:

  • 24-hour voiding diary
  • Urinary flow test
  • Postvoid residual volume test

Meanwhile, other doctors may suggest another test if your condition is more complicated or complex. These tests may include:

  • Prostate biopsy
  • Transrectal ultrasound
  • Cystoscopy

TREATMENT

A broad range of treatments is obtainable for enlarged prostates, such as surgery, therapies, and medications. However, the better treatment options for you vary on many factors, including:

  • Your age
  • The size of your prostate
  • The level of pain and discomfort you are experiencing
  • Your general health

If your symptoms are bearable, you may choose to reschedule the treatment and just observe your symptoms. Also, for some males, symptoms may subside without any treatment. 

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]