 The prostate is a small, muscular gland in the male reproductive system. Your prostate surrounds your urethra and produces most of the fluid in your semen. The muscular action of the prostate helps propel the fluid and semen through your penis during sexual climax. Benign prostatic hypertrophy, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply. These additional cells cause your prostate gland to swell, which squeezes the urethra and limits the flow of urine. Obstruction may be so severe that no urine can leave the bladder at all. This is called bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), and it’s a complication of BPH. It can be dangerous because urine trapped in the bladder can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) and damage your kidneys. BPH is not the same as prostate cancer. It’s a benign condition that doesn’t increase the risk of cancer. BPH is a common condition in men over the age of 50.
What Are the Symptoms of BPH? The symptoms of BPH are often very mild at first, but they become more serious if they aren’t treated. Common symptoms include. incomplete bladder emptying nocturia, which is the need to urinate two or more times per night dribbling at the end of the urinary stream incontinence, or leakage of urine the need to strain when urinating a weak urinary stream a sudden urge to urinate a slowed or delayed urinary stream painful urination blood in the urine pus in the urine Tell your doctor if you’re concerned about any symptoms you’re having. These symptoms are treatable, and prompt treatment will prevent complications. What Causes BPH? BPH is considered a normal condition of male aging, and it’s estimated that over half of men over the age of 80 have BPH symptoms. Although the exact cause is unknown, changes in male sex hormones as you age may be a factor. Any family history of prostate problems or any abnormalities with your testicles may raise your risks for BPH. Men who’ve had their testicles removed at a young age don’t develop BPH. How Is BPH Diagnosed? Evaluation for BPH begins with a physical exam and review of your medical history. The physical exam includes a rectal examination that allows the doctor to estimate the size and shape of your prostate. Other tests can include the following: During a urinalysis or urine culture, your urine is checked for blood and bacteria. During a prostatic biopsy, a small amount of prostate tissue is removed and examined for abnormalities. During a urodynamic test, your bladder is filled with liquid via a catheter to measure the pressure of your bladder during urination. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test used to check for cancer of the prostate. A post-void residual is done to see how much urine is left in the bladder after urination. During a cystoscopy, your doctor examines your urethra and bladder through a tiny lighted instrument inserted into your urethra. During a rectal ultrasound and prostatic biopsy, your doctor can confirm a diagnosis of BPH and rule out malignancy. During an intravenous pyelogram or urogram, a dye is injected into your system. This reveals your entire urinary system on an X-ray or CT scan. What Are the Treatments for BPH? Treatment of BPH can begin with self-care. If symptoms don’t subside through self-care, medication or surgery may be recommended. Your age and general health will also influence the prescribed treatment. Self-care includes the following: Urinate as soon as you feel the urge. Make a habit of going to the bathroom to urinate, even when you don’t feel the urge. Avoid taking over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamine medications. They can make it harder for the bladder to empty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially in the hours after dinner. Reduce your stress level. Nervousness can increase the frequency of urination. Exercise regularly. A lack of exercise can aggravate your symptoms. Learn and practice Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles. Keep warm. Being cold can make symptoms worse
source: healthline.com