Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Causes

Exact cause is unknown

Changes in male sex hormones that come with aging may be a factor

Any family history of prostate problems or any abnormalities with testicles may raise risk for BPH.

Symptoms

incomplete bladder emptying

nocturia, need to urinate two or more times per night

dribbling at the end of your urinary stream

incontinence

straining when urinating

a sudden urge to urinate

a slowed or delayed urinary stream

painful urination

blood in the urine

Diagnosis

Urinalysis- Urine checked for blood and bacteria.

Urodynamic test- measures bladder’s pressure during urination.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test- checks for cancer of the prostate.

Post-void residual- tests the amount of urine left in your bladder after urination.

Cystoscopy- examination of your urethra and bladder with a tiny lighted scope that’s inserted into urethra

Treatment

alpha-1 blockers- Eg terazosin, tamsulosin

Hormone reduction medications- Eg dutasteride and finasteride

Surgeries such as Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), simple prostatectomy

Complications

urinary tract infections

urinary stones

kidney damage

bleeding in the urinary tract

a sudden inability to urinate