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. It may also cause bladder, kidney or urinary tract problems.

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 (UTI)

There are also other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to an enlarged prostate, they include:

• Inflamed prostate
• Narrowing of the urethra
• Bladder or kidney stones
• Problems with the nerves controlling the bladder
• Prostate or bladder cancer

What causes Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)?

The prostate is a gland located beneath the bladder and constantly grows throughout a man's life.  This growth may enlarge the prostate enough to block urine flow or cause symptoms to show. It is not clear what causes prostate to grow bigger, it may be due to changes in the level of sex hormones as you age. 

What are the risk factors of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)?

• Age: Benign Prostate Hyperplasia are more common in those aged 40 and above as an enlarged prostate gland rarely exhibit symptoms in people below age 40.
• Pre-existing Medical Condition: Studies have shown that diabetes and heart disease may raise your risk of BPH.
• Family History: Having a family member with prostate problems makes you more susceptible to prostate issues.
• Lifestyle: A lack of physical exercise increases your risk of BPH.

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

• Inability to pee:
• Urinary Tract Infection:
• Bladder Stones:
• Kidney Damage: 

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.