Page 1 - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
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Urological Health
Benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men that can affect urination.
he prostate is a gland wrapped around a man’s Investigation of BPH
Turethra, the urine channel, between the bladder
and its control muscle, the urethral sphincter. Its main Your doctor will ask you a number of questions, and
function is to produce part of the semen ejaculated at may have you fill out a questionnaire about your
male orgasm. Each vas deferens carrying sperm from symptoms to determine how severe and bothersome
the testicles connects to the prostate. In young men, they are to you. Your prostate will be examined with a
the prostate is usually the size of a walnut, however, as gloved, lubricated finger in the rectum (Digital Rectal
men age, it is common for the prostate to grow. This Exam – DRE) to determine if the prostate is enlarged
increase in size is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and if it has any lumps or firmness that might suggest
(BPH). This growth may not cause any problems, as there is cancer in the prostate. You may be asked to
only half of men who have it will experience any provide a urine sample to ensure you do not have
symptoms. BPH is rare under the age of 40, but present an infection or other urinary problem. A PSA (Prostate
in most men in their 70s and 80s. Specific Antigen) blood test may be suggested to rule
out cancer in some men. If the PSA is elevated, it does
not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer,
as BPH can also cause the PSA to be elevated. Other
tests may be requested in order for your doctor to
diagnose BPH and suggest treatment.
bladder
seminal
prostate vesicles Treatment options for BPH
penis rectum
urethra The treatment of BPH is determined by the severity
urethral
sphincter and concern of your symptoms. It is also determined
Roula Drossis by your general health and your personal preference.
There are a number of treatment options available.
You should discuss these options with your doctor
before deciding what is best for you.
Symptoms that may be caused by BPH: Watchful waiting with changes
• Frequent urination in lifestyle
• Waking up at night to urinate
• Inability to delay urination If your symptoms are not too severe or bothersome
• Feeling unable to empty bladder you may consider this option. This involves periodic
assessments by your doctor and making changes in
• Delay in starting to urinate behaviour that may improve your symptoms. These
• Weak urinary stream – straining changes include:
• Intermittent stream – stopping and starting • Drinking less fluids, especially before bedtime
• Urinary incontinence (loss of urine control) • Avoiding caffeine and spicy foods
• Painful urination • Avoiding medications that may worsen your
• Blood in urine symptoms (e.g. cold medications)
• Inability to urinate (acute urinary retention) • Scheduled voiding as directed by your physician
BPH is not a cancer. However, a number of diseases, • Avoiding or treating constipation
including cancer, can cause similar symptoms. Your
doctor may need to do some tests to confirm your
diagnosis of BPH.
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