Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Or BPH) Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Problems, And Treatments

Below, you’ll find must-know information about enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Enlarged prostate or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent ailment that impacts the prostate gland in males. It is alternatively referred to as benign prostatic obstruction or benign prostatic hypertrophy.

The prostate gland is situated beneath the bladder and anterior to the rectum, and it encircles the urethra, which is responsible for expelling urine from the body.

BPH occurs when the prostate gland grows in size due to an increase in glandular and muscular tissue. This increase in size may cause constriction or blockage of the urethra, resulting in a range of urinary symptoms.

BPH is believed to be linked to hormonal transformations that take place as one ages, primarily the surge in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. This is a hormone that promotes the growth of prostate tissue.

Although it is non-cancerous, if left untreated, this particular condition may result in severe complications, such as urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney stones, urinary retention, and even kidney damage.

BPH is a common ailment that becomes more prevalent with age. According to estimates, over 50% of men will experience some form of BPH by the age of 60, and this figure rises to over 90% by the age of 85.

A diagnosis of BPH usually requires a thorough review of medical history, a physical examination, and specific tests.

Knowing the symptoms of BPH is crucial for early diagnosis of the condition.

Below are BPH symptoms worth knowing.

9. Frequent Urination

When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it can put pressure on the bladder and the urethra. Both the bladder and urethra are essential for urine flow.

The impact of an enlarged prostate on these two organs can disrupt the normal flow of urination. Hence, the individual is most likely to experience frequent urination.

8. Nocturia

Nocturia refers to the condition of waking up frequently at night to urinate, which is a common symptom of BPH.

This condition is primarily caused by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which obstructs the urethra and bladder. This obstruction leads to incomplete bladder emptying during the day and increased urine production at night.

Consequently, the bladder may not be able to retain urine for as long as usual, leading to the individual waking up several times during the night to urinate.

7. Difficulty While Urinating

When the prostate gland becomes enlarged in BPH, it can place pressure on the urethra, which is the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body.

This pressure can lead to a narrowing of the urethra, resulting in difficulty during urination. It may even cause urine flow to stop entirely, making it challenging to empty the bladder completely.

Furthermore, the bladder may not contract efficiently enough to expel urine, leading to urine remaining in the bladder and causing further difficulty with urination.

6. Weak Or A Continuous Stream Of Urine

In BPH, a weak or continuous stream of urine can be blamed on the enlarged prostate gland.

The enlarged prostate gland can compress the urethra, causing a narrowing that makes it difficult for urine to flow out with force. Hence, the flow of urine can either become weak or continuous.

5. Dribbling At The End Of Urination

When an individual with BPH experiences dribbling at the end of urination, it is often due to the compression of the urethra by the enlarged prostate gland.

This compression can cause urine to remain in the urethra after urination and leak out slowly, resulting in dribbling. Furthermore, weak bladder muscles may contribute to the problem by not fully emptying the bladder, leading to further dribbling.

4. Inability To Empty The Bladder

When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it can compress the urethra and cause problems with urine flow. This can result in feelings of needing to urinate frequently, even after just having gone.

The individual may also notice that their urine stream is weak or stops and starts. In some cases, they may not be able to empty their bladder completely, leading to further complications like infections or stones in the bladder.

3. Urinary Incontinence

When the urethra is affected by an enlarged prostate gland, it can weaken the muscles responsible for controlling urine flow, making it challenging to retain urine in the bladder, leading to urinary incontinence.

Furthermore, the blockage of the urethra due to an enlarged prostate gland can lead to bladder irritation and inflammation, resulting in an urgent and frequent need to urinate. This can cause difficulties in regulating the timing of urination, which can lead to leakage or incontinence.

2. Urinary Retention

Urinary retention is another symptom problem associated with BPH. When the enlarged prostate gland obstructs the urethra the bladder is unable to empty fully. This can cause urinary retention.

Other factors can also contribute to urinary retention in BPH, including inflammation or scarring of the gland, and nerve damage.

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