BPH is an enlarged prostate. The prostate goes through two main growth cycles during a man’s life. The first occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. The second phase of growth starts around age 25 and goes on for most of the rest of a man’s life. BPH most often occurs during this second growth phase.
As the prostate enlarges, it presses against the urethra and may cause urinary symptoms. The bladder wall becomes thicker. One day, the bladder may weaken and lose the ability to empty fully, leaving some urine behind in the bladder. Narrowing of the urethra by BPH can lead to complete urinary retention – Complete urinary retention is a medical emergency which needs to be treated within a few hours. Otherwise the kidneys may fail and severe urinary tract infection associated with sepsis can develop . This can lead to death. Symptomatic BPH is a serious medical condition which should not be ignored.
BPH is benign in most cases . This means it is not cancer. Contrary to popular belief, it does not cause or lead to cancer. However, BPH and cancer can happen at the same time in the same prostate.
BPH is common. About half of all men between ages 51 and 60 have BPH. Up to 90% of men over age 80 have it. In essence, most men can’t avoid enlargement of the prostate as they get older.
What is the Prostate
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is about the size of a walnut and weighs about an ounce. The prostate is found below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It goes all the way around a tube called the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder out through the penis.
The prostate’s main job is to make fluid for semen. During ejaculation, sperm made in the testicles moves to the urethra. At the same time, fluid from the prostate and the seminal vesicles also moves into the urethra. This mixture – semen – goes through the urethra and out through the penis.
When the prostate is enlarged, it can bother or block the bladder. Needing to urinate often is a common symptom of BPH. This might be every 1 to 2 hours, mainly at night.
Other symptoms include:
• Feeling that the bladder is full, even right after urinating
• Feeling that urinating “can’t wait”
• A weak flow of urine
• Needing to stop and start urinating several times
• Trouble starting to urinate
• Trouble starting to urinate
• Needing to push or strain to urinate
If BPH becomes severe, you might not be able to urinate at all. This is an emergency that must be treated right away.
If you start having any of the symptoms noted above, Go see your doctor or healthcare provider.
Treatment options may include oral medications, minimally invasive surgery like ( Urolift) or TURP with or without laser.
Angelo E. Gousse, MD
Clinical Professor of Urology – Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine – FIU
Voluntary Professor of Urology – University of Miami , Miller School of Medicine
Director of Fellowship:Female Urology,Voiding Dysfunction, Reconstruction
Memorial Hospital Miramar, South Broward Hospital District
1951 SW 172 Avenue, Suite 305,
Miramar, FL, 33029
Tel: 954-362-2720 Fax: 954-362-2761
www.bladder-health.net