Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where prostate is enlarged. The prostate grows during two main growth periods as a man age increases. The first growth occurs early in the puberty, where the prostate gland size will get doubles. The second phase of growth starts around at the age 25 and continues during most of a man’s life. Benign prostatic hyperplasia frequently occurs within the second growth phase.
As the prostate enlarges, it will squeeze down on urethra. Then the bladder wall becomes thicker. Finally, the bladder may weaken and lose the capability to empty it completely by leaving some quantity of the urine in the bladder. The thinning of the urethra and urinary retention thereby the inability to clear the bladder completely. BPH is common in aged men’s. About 50% of all men between 51 – 60 age groups have BPH and upto 90% of men over age 80 have this disorder.
SYMPTOMS:
A common symptom of BPH is the need to urinate often. Other symptoms include:
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Feeling that the bladder is full, even right after urinating
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Weak urine flow
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Trouble starting to urinate
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Feeling that urinating “can’t wait Dribbling of urine
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The need to push or strain to urinate
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The need to stop and start urinating several times
CAUSES:
BPH is a normal condition of all male aging persons, and it is estimated that over half of men over the age of 80 have symptoms of BPH. Even though the exact cause of BPH is unknown, changes in male sexual hormones as you age may be a reason. Any family history of prostate problems or any abnormalities related to your testicles may cause a risk of BPH. Men who’ve had a operation for removal of testicles at a young age don’t develop BPH.
DIAGNOSIS:
Initially physical exam will be done afterwards a digital rectal exam (DRE). And may also have:
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Urinalysis (urine test)
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PSA blood test to screen for prostate cancer
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Urinary blood test to screen for bladder cancer
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Cystoscopy to look at the urethra or bladder with a scope
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Post-void residual volume (PVR) to measure urine left in the bladder after urinating
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Uroflowmetry to measure how fast urine flows
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Ultrasound of the prostate
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Urodynamic pressure to test pressure in the bladder during urinating
