Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) 📌 Condition Definition Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous, irregular growth of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder in men that produces about 30% of semen. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra (urine duct), its enlargement can narrow the urethra, causing difficulty urinating.
🔍 Possible Causes The exact cause of BPH is unknown, but male hormones are thought to play a role in its development with age.
📈 Prevalence This condition is common among men and increases with age.
Signs of BPH appear in more than 50% of men by the age of 60.
⚠️ Does it lead to cancer? There is no evidence that BPH causes prostate cancer. However, symptoms can be similar, and it is possible for a man to have both conditions at the same time.
Symptoms Frequent or urgent need to urinate.
Weak, delayed, or interrupted urine flow.
Pain during urination.
Frequent nighttime urination.
Blood in the urine.
Diagnosis Physical examination: Includes a digital rectal examination (DRE).
Urine tests: To measure flow rate and urinalysis.
Residual urine measurement: To determine the amount of urine retained in the bladder after urination.
Treatment methods 1. Conservative treatment No treatment is needed in mild cases.
Reducing fluid and alcohol intake, especially at night.
2. Drug therapy Finasteride (Proscar): To shrink the prostate.
Alpha blockers: To relax the prostate muscles and improve urine flow.
3. Heat therapy Applying heat to the prostate tissue using microwaves or radiofrequency.
Often performed as an outpatient.
4. Surgery Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): The most common procedure.
Laparoscopic resection: This is used in cases where the prostate is very large.
🛡️ Prevention To date, there is no proven way to prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia.
