About Enlarged Prostate/BPH

An enlarged prostate isn’t life-threatening, but its symptoms can definitely disrupt daily life. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), this condition affects the urethra and the bladder, and can be treated with radio frequency therapy, among other options.

Definition

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition in which the prostate is enlarged, but not cancerous. The enlargement of the prostate can restrict the flow of urine from the bladder, causing uncomfortable and inconvenient urinary symptoms.

Causes

The prostate enlarges first at the onset of puberty, and again beginning around age 25. This process often results later in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

As the prostate grows later in life, it can "squeeze" the urethra and partly block the flow of urine, like a clamp on a garden hose. The wall of the bladder becomes irritable and begins to contract or shrink, even when it contains only a small amount of urine. This can cause the feeling that you have to urinate, even though your bladder isn't full.

Symptoms

Urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate often develop so slowly that you may not notice them until they start to affect your daily life:

• Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
• Sudden need to urinate
• Needing to strain to start urinating
• A weak, variable, or dribbling urine stream
• Pain or burning during urination
• Feeling that the bladder isn't completely empty after urinating

Risk Factors

BPH is not life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and inconvenient. Urinary problems may also be signs of another medical problem. It's important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms, or ask your doctor to refer you to a urologist.

Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms, your doctor may use a number of methods to determine if you have BPH. These can include a urine flow study, cystoscopy, ultrasound, or rectal exam. You may also be asked a series of questions to rate how much your urinary symptoms are bothering you.

References

1. AUA Practice Guidelines Committee. Guideline on the Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) (2003). Chapter 1: Diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Available at http://www.auanet.org. Accessed Oct. 1, 2009.