What is BPH?
The enlargement of the prostate gland is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This happens when the cells of the prostate gland start multiplying. The additional cells further lead to swelling in the prostate gland and squeezing the urethra, restricting the urine flow. This condition is not the same as prostate cancer and not even increases the risk of cancer. However, it may affect an individual’s quality of life.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) Causes
The prostate gland is underneath the bladder. The tube that passes urine from the urinary bladder out of the penis (urethra) goes through the middle of the prostate gland. When the prostate enlarges, it narrows down the passage of the urinary tube. Hence, it blocks the urine flow.
Many men experienced continued growth of the prostate throughout their life. On the other hand, some men experience this continued growth that enlarges the prostate and causes certain urinary symptoms or blocks urine flow.
It is not clear what leads to prostate enlargement. However, it may occur due to the changes caused by an imbalance of sex hormones as men age. The changes in male sex hormones also come with many ageing factors, such abnormalities in testicles or family history of prostate issues that may increase the risk of BPH. However, men who have got their testicles removed during their young age won’t experience BPH.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) Symptoms
The symptoms of BPH are mild in the beginning but increase if it’s not treated. Some common symptoms are:
- Nocturia – increased urination frequency at night
- Urgent or frequent need to urinate
- Problem to start urination
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Not being able to empty the bladder completely
Less Common Symptoms of BPH are
- Inability to urinate
- Urinary tract infection
- Blood in urine
The size of the prostate gland does not determine how severe the symptoms are. Some men with a slightly enlarged prostate can also experience significant symptoms, whereas sometimes men with extremely large prostates may only experience minor urinary symptoms.
Other conditions that may lead to signs and symptoms caused by the enlarged prostate are as follows:
- Inflammation of prostatitis
- Urinary tract infections
- Narrowing of the urethral stricture (urethra)
- Scarring in urinary bladder neck due to previous surgery
- Problems with nerves controlling the bladder
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Cancer of the bladder or prostate
Consult the doctor if any of these symptoms persist.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) Risk Factor
- Ageing: Enlargement of the prostate gland rarely causes any specific signs and symptoms in men less than 40 years of age. Around one-third of men notice moderate to severe symptoms around the age of 50 and some do so around the age of 80.
- Family history: If any blood relative, such as a brother or father, has prostate issues, you’re also likely to have them.
- Heart disease and diabetes: According to the studies, heart disease and diabetes can also enhance the risk of BPH.
- Obesity: Being overweight can also increase the risk of prostate enlargement, whereas exercising can lower this risk.