Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate. The cause of BPH is not fully understood. However, what is certain is that BPH is correlated to aging. In fact, this condition normally occurs in man and 50 and over. This prostate enlargement can cause a gradual squeezing of the urethra, which in turn causes difficulties in urinating.

Symptoms of BPH

There are very few symptoms of BPH and these include;

• A weak urinary stream
• Difficulties with starting to urinate
• Frequent urination
• Frequent awakening at night to urinate

An obstruction of the urethra due to BPH could cause repeated urinary tract infections (UTI), an unexpected inability to urinate, or gradual damage to the bladder and/or kidneys.

Diagnosis of BPH

Diagnosis of BPH is done internally. This prostate examination is referred to as the digital rectal examination (DRE) and involves the doctor inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate and determine whether this is enlarged or has any abnormalities.

It is recommended that all men over 50 get examined regularly. Men with a history of prostate cancer within the family should start getting examined at an earlier age.

Besides the DRE, some doctors perform another test referred to as the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). This is a blood test that is used to rule out prostate cancer as the cause for the urinary difficulties.

Treatment of BPH

Not all cases of BPH get treated, mostly because some cases can be controlled and the enlargement of the prostate does not interfere with the body functions. Should the condition get worse, there are several courses of treatment that can be considered together with the doctor.

The three main modes of treatment for BPH are;

• Medications - These work to relax the muscle tissue in the prostate. Another kind of medication works on reducing the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is thought to be the hormone responsible for prostate enlargement and hair loss.
• Non surgically - These are procedures that use heat to destroy the excess tissue.
• Surgically - This involves the removal of the enlarged part of the prostate (the part that would be pressing against the urethra)