General Information

What is BPH?

BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate, located below the bladder, surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis. The prostate also produces fluid that constitutes 70% of semen.

Common Symptoms:

• Difficulty urinating
• Pain during urination
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate, especially at night
• Weak urine stream
• Dribbling after urination
• Incomplete bladder emptying

Causes and Risk Factors:

While the exact cause of BPH is unknown, it is believed to be influenced by age and hereditary factors. Men with family members who have BPH are more likely to develop the condition. Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, may also play a role in its development.

Diagnosis

To diagnose BPH, your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and conduct diagnostic tests.

Common tests include:

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): To check the size and shape of the prostate.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: To measure PSA levels in the blood and rule out prostate cancer.
• Urine Flow Study: To assess the strength and amount of urine flow.
• Postvoid Residual Volume Test: To determine how much urine remains in the bladder after urination.
• Prostate Ultrasound: To obtain an accurate measurement of prostate size.

Treatment

Treatment options for BPH vary based on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s overall health. They include:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Regular exercise
• Low-fat and reduced red meat diet
• Increased intake of vegetables and proteins
• Limiting alcohol intake

Medications

• Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) to relax prostate muscles and ease urination.
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) to help reduce prostate size.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Urolift: A procedure that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way to relieve pressure on the urethra.
• Rezum: Uses steam to gently reduce excess prostate tissue, improving urine flow.

Surgical Options

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): A procedure to remove a small part of the prostate that is causing symptoms.
• Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP): Uses focused laser energy to remove the majority of BPH tissue.
• Ablation Methods: Minimally invasive techniques that carefully eliminate excess prostate tissue.