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One of the most common health problems for men over 50 is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the normal enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs in men with aging. The prostate gland in adults remains a constant size until approximately age 40, when it begins to enlarge. Although BPH does not produce trouble in all men, 1 out of 4 men usually require treatment.
Symptoms
Many symptoms of BPH stem from obstruction of the urethra and gradual loss of bladder function, which results in incomplete emptying of the bladder. The symptoms of BPH vary, but the most common ones involve changes or problems with urination, such as
- a hesitant, interrupted, weak stream
- urgency and leaking or dribbling
- more frequent urination, especially at night
Diagnosis
If BPH is suspected, several tests help the doctor identify the problem and decide whether surgery is needed. The tests vary from patient to patient, but the following are the most common.
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test
- Rectal Ultrasound and Prostate Biopsy
- Urine Flow Study
- Cystoscopy
When should the enlarged prostate be treated?
There are several indications for treatment of BPH. One of the foremost is urinary retention, which is the inability of the bladder to empty any urine. Intervention is also required when the enlarged prostate impairs drainage of urine out of the bladder and there is a large postvoid residual. This residual urine can block the drainage of the kidneys and lead to inadequate kidney function. (A bladder sonogram or scan may be done to make sure the residual is not too high). Severe bleeding or recurrent urinary tract infections are also symptoms which indicate the need for intervention. By far the most common indication for treatment is when difficulty with urination becomes so troublesome that the patient needs some relief.
