Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)

What is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate gland is enlarged due to the multiplying of prostate cells and build-up of dihyodrotestosterone (DHT). The prostate is a walnut-shaped male genital gland located below the bladder near the base of the penis that secretes nutrient-rich fluids that nourish the sperm (as semen), and contracts to push the semen out during ejaculation. The prostate gland gets bigger as a man ages, and the enlargement squeezes the urethra, making urination painful and difficult.

What are the symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)?

• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty starting urination
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Inability to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
• Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
• Urinary tract infection
   

How is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosed?

Digital Rectal Exam
A Digital Rectal Exam is done by your doctor to check the prostate for enlargement.


Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test
PSA is a substance produced in your prostate. PSA levels increase when the prostate is enlarged. Elevated PSA levels may also be due to recent procedures, infection, surgery or prostate cancer.


Urine Test
A urine test is done to rule out an infection or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.