Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is very common in older men. It means your prostate is enlarged but not cancerous. Treatments for BPH include: Watchful waiting, also called active surveillance.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia—also called BPH—is a condition in men in which the prostate gland is enlarged and not cancerous. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is also called benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic obstruction.
An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer.
About benign prostate enlargement
Benign prostate enlargement (BPE), also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition that affects older men and anyone with a prostate. It's particularly common in men and anyone with a prostate over 50 years of age and isn't usually a serious threat to health.
The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and changes in the cells of the testicles may have a role in the growth of the gland, as well as testosterone levels. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.
Can an Enlarged Prostate Be Cured? For most patients, BPH (enlarged prostate) is curable. Some people see a significant reduction in symptoms with medication alone. If medicine does not work, or your prostate is too large, surgery will often remove enough of the prostate to provide you with relief.
BPH might be life-disrupting, but with the right care and the correct approach to fluids, it's possible for most men to minimize their symptoms and live comfortably with an enlarged prostate.
Benign prostate enlargement (BPE) is the medical term to describe an enlarged prostate, a condition that can affect how you pee (urinate). BPE is common in men aged over 50. It's not a cancer and it's not usually a serious threat to health.
No, having an enlarged prostate does not increase your risk of getting prostate cancer. The two problems usually begin in different parts of the prostate. But men can have an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer at the same time. If you're worried about prostate cancer, talk to your GP or call our Specialist Nurses.
When symptoms do occur, they can include: trouble urinating or decreased force of stream, blood in the urine or semen, bone pain, unexpected weight loss, and unexplained fevers. If you consistently notice any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors are used to treat larger prostate glands. They shrink the prostate gland if it's enlarged. Finasteride and dutasteride are the two 5-alpha reductase inhibitors available.
An enlarged prostate may improve with medication. The urologist may prescribe Alpha-blockers to relax the bladder and prostate muscles, and ease urinary symptoms. Finasteride and Dutasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibitors) may also be prescribed by the urologist to help shrink the prostate.
Left untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to a sudden inability to urinate, cause urinary tract infections and bladder or kidney damage.
Surgery can very effectively reduce the problems associated with a benign enlarged prostate. It is considered if other treatments don't provide enough relief, or if the enlarged prostate keeps causing medical problems such as urinary tract infections.
The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and changes in the cells of the testicles may have a role in the growth of the gland, as well as testosterone levels. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.
A person experiencing symptoms of BPH should contact his doctor immediately, if: He is completely unable to urinate. Urination is painful, and he has a fever of more than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), chills or body aches.
For a healthy prostate, prevention is the best remedy, and exercise, such as the benefits of walking, can be one of your great allies. Essential in the role of your fertility, the prostate can be a small annoying gland.
As they age, some men may notice that they have trouble peeing. You might find it hard to start going, or perhaps the stream starts and stops several times. Those are two symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, called BPH, which is an enlarged prostate.
Digital rectal examination
If the gland has grown in size, the enlargement may be detectable with the finger. In BPH, the enlargement feels smooth and firm while in prostate cancer, the gland may feel hard and lumpy. The procedure is not usually painful but may be a bit uncomfortable.