Benign 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.