Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Its Management
Learn about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Explore lifestyle tips, medications, and surgical procedures to manage urinary symptoms effectively.
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects many men as they age. While it’s not cancerous, it can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms and impact daily life. If you or a loved one is dealing with BPH, understanding the condition, its symptoms, causes, and management options can help you take control of your health.
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which is a walnut-sized organ located below the bladder in men. As the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), leading to urinary problems.
BPH is very common, especially in older men. By age 60, about 50% of men experience some degree of BPH, and by age 85, this number rises to nearly 90%. While BPH is not life-threatening, it can significantly affect quality of life if left untreated.
Symptoms of BPH
The symptoms of BPH are related to urinary function and may include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Urgency (a sudden, strong need to urinate)
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Feeling like the bladder isn’t fully empty
- Straining to urinate
In severe cases, BPH can lead to complications like urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, or even kidney damage if urine flow is severely blocked.
What Causes BPH?
The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, but it is linked to hormonal changes that occur with aging. Testosterone levels decline as men age, while another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) continues to stimulate prostate growth. Other factors that may contribute to BPH include:
- Age (risk increases after 50)
- Family history of BPH
- Obesity and lack of physical activity
- Diabetes and heart disease
How is BPH Diagnosed?
If you experience urinary symptoms, a doctor can diagnose BPH through:
1. Medical history and symptom assessment – Discussing your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
2. Physical exam – Including a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check prostate size.
3. Urine tests – To rule out infections or other conditions.
4. Blood tests – Such as PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) to check for prostate cancer.
5. Imaging tests – Ultrasound or cystoscopy to examine the prostate and bladder.
If you're experiencing symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation. You can easily book a consultation with a urologist through Apollo24|7 for expert advice.
Managing BPH: Lifestyle and Treatment Options
While BPH cannot be completely prevented, its symptoms can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, medications, or, in some cases, surgery.
1. Lifestyle Changes
Making small adjustments in daily habits can help reduce symptoms:
- Limit fluids before bedtime to reduce nighttime urination.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder.
- Stay active – Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and improves urinary function.
- Practice bladder training – Try to delay urination when you feel the urge to gradually increase bladder control.
- Eat a balanced diet – Include fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation, which can worsen symptoms.
Consult a Specialist for Personalised Advice
2. Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications to relieve symptoms, such as:
- Alpha-blockers (e.g., Tamsulosin) – Relax prostate and bladder muscles for easier urination.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., Finasteride) – Shrink the prostate over time.
- Combination therapy – Sometimes both types of medications are used together.
3. Surgical Treatments
If medications and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, minimally invasive or surgical options may be recommended:
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – Removes excess prostate tissue.
- Laser therapy – Uses laser energy to reduce prostate size.
- Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) – A less invasive procedure to relieve pressure on the urethra.
Your doctor will help determine the best treatment based on your symptoms and overall health.
When to See a Doctor?
If you notice any urinary symptoms, don’t ignore them. Seek medical advice if you experience:
- Inability to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Frequent UTIs
- Bladder pain or discomfort
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Final Thoughts
BPH is a common part of aging for many men, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your life. With the right lifestyle changes, medications, or treatments, you can manage symptoms effectively. If you’re concerned about BPH, consult a urologist through Apollo24|7 for personalized care and guidance.
Would you like to schedule a consultation or a prostate health check-up? Visit Apollo24|7 to book an appointment with a specialist today!
Consult a Specialist for Personalised Advice
Consult a Specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Swathi Reddy Perugu
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)
Hyderabad
Health plus, Hyderabad
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Dr P Sai Avinash
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Bhargavi Hari B
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Meenakshi N
Family Physician
28 Years • MBBS DNB family medicine MPH FIMSA MNAMS
Noida
Apollo Hospitals Sector 26, Noida
Consult a Specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Swathi Reddy Perugu
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)
Hyderabad
Health plus, Hyderabad
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Dr P Sai Avinash
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Bhargavi Hari B
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Meenakshi N
Family Physician
28 Years • MBBS DNB family medicine MPH FIMSA MNAMS
Noida
Apollo Hospitals Sector 26, Noida