A noncancerous enlargement of the prostate, known as BPH, the most common prostate problem in men older than 50.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system. This gland is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
It is common for a man's prostate gland to grow as he ages. This non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH.
The prostate has 2 periods of growth over a lifespan. The first is during puberty when the prostate nearly doubles in size. Around age 25, the prostate again begins to slowly grow. This prostatic growth can produce symptoms later in life.
When the prostate becomes enlarged, it can put pressure on the urethra and cause lower urinary tract symptoms including problems urinating. However, BPH rarely causes symptoms before the age of 40.
BPH affects 25% of men in their 40's, 50% of men in their 50's, 70% of men in their 60's, and 80% of men in their 70s.
The symptoms of BPH vary, but most commonly involves obstruction of the normal flow of urine. Some men with BPH don't experience any symptoms at all.
If symptoms do occur, they may include:
Symptoms are significant if they interfere with getting enough sleep, going to places with no toilet, playing outdoor sports, going to church or the movies.
The causes of BPH are not well known. However, risk factors include:
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above you should talk to your primary care provider or urologist. Treatments vary from person to person and can be determined by speaking with your doctor. Testing and Diagnostics help the doctor identify the problem and decide whether surgery is needed.
You may notice symptoms of BPH yourself or your provider may find it during a routine exam. The tests performed may vary from patient to patient. Most likely, your provider will perform a digital rectal exam by inserting a lubricated gloved finger gently into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities on the surface of the prostate. or your provider may also order a urine test to help rule out infections, such as bladder infection, inflammation of the prostate, or kidney disease.
Other tests that may be performed to diagnosis BPH are:
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system. This gland is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
It is common for a man's prostate gland to grow as he ages. This non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH.
The prostate has 2 periods of growth over a lifespan. The first is during puberty when the prostate nearly doubles in size. Around age 25, the prostate again begins to slowly grow. This prostatic growth can produce symptoms later in life.
When the prostate becomes enlarged, it can put pressure on the urethra and cause lower urinary tract symptoms including problems urinating. However, BPH rarely causes symptoms before the age of 40.
BPH affects 25% of men in their 40's, 50% of men in their 50's, 70% of men in their 60's, and 80% of men in their 70s.
The symptoms of BPH vary, but most commonly involves obstruction of the normal flow of urine. Some men with BPH don't experience any symptoms at all.
If symptoms do occur, they may include:
Symptoms are significant if they interfere with getting enough sleep, going to places with no toilet, playing outdoor sports, going to church or the movies.
The causes of BPH are not well known. However, risk factors include:
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above you should talk to your primary care provider or urologist. Treatments vary from person to person and can be determined by speaking with your doctor. Testing and Diagnostics help the doctor identify the problem and decide whether surgery is needed.
You may notice symptoms of BPH yourself or your provider may find it during a routine exam. The tests performed may vary from patient to patient. Most likely, your provider will perform a digital rectal exam by inserting a lubricated gloved finger gently into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities on the surface of the prostate. or your provider may also order a urine test to help rule out infections, such as bladder infection, inflammation of the prostate, or kidney disease.
Other tests that may be performed to diagnosis BPH are:
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