Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men as they age that causes your prostate gland to become enlarged.Nearly 50 percent of men will develop BPH by the time they reach the age of 60. As your prostate gland becomes larger, it can put pressure on your urinary tract and impair the flow of urine from your bladder and may cause a variety of uncomfortable urinary symptoms. Symptoms vary from person to person and don’t necessarily depend on the size of your prostate gland. Common symptoms include:
- Increased frequency and/or urge to urinate
- Changes with your urine flow including difficulty starting, a weakened stream and/or dribbling
- Difficulty emptying your bladder completely
Less commonly, you may experience blood in your urine or develop urinary tract infections. If left untreated, BPH symptoms can worsen and have a significant impact on your daily life.
If you develop BPH, there are many treatment options available to manage your symptoms and maintain your prostate and bladder health. In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, medications may be prescribed to help relax your prostate and bladder muscles, improve your urine flow and target the hormones causing your prostate to grow. Minimally invasive surgical options are also available including laser and UroLift procedures.
If you are experiencing urinary problems that may be due to an enlarged prostate gland, your urologist can help you select the treatment plan that is right for you.
Completing a symptom scorer can help determine the severity of your BPH symptoms and their impact on your daily life.
For ways to maintain your prostate health and BPH, click here.
Information about several treatment options for BPH can be found using the links below: