Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

h-wrinkles1Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate gland enlargement, commonly affects men as they get older. BPH symptoms include a frequent, urgent need to urinate and straining when urinating. Doctors are not sure what exactly causes BPH.

Symptoms

  • Dripping after urination
  • Trouble urinating
  • Unable to completely empty the bladder
  • Constantly feeling the need to urinate
  • Painful urination
  • Slowed urinary stream
  • Weak urine stream
  • Straining to urinate

Once proper diagnostic testing determines the extent of the prostate problem, a treatment plan will be formulated based on the severity of your symptoms while considering any other complicating factors.

Treatment

  • Avoid alcohol
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Do not drink anything two hours before you go to bed
  • When you feel the urge to urinate, go immediately
  • Reduce your exposure to stress
  • Your doctor will prescribe medications such as alpha-blockers and antibiotics
  • Surgical intervention (the invasiveness and recovery times associated with the procedures vary)

 A yearly exam will most likely be recommended in order to monitor your symptoms and treatment. If not treated, BPH can cause bladder, kidney or urinary tract problems.