Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as prostate enlargement, is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that can cause bothersome urinary symptoms. Symptoms of BPH include:
- Frequent urination: Needing to urinate more often, especially at night (nocturia).
- Urgency: Sudden, compelling need to urinate.
- Weak urine stream: Stream that is weak, hesitant, or intermittent.
- Incomplete emptying: Feeling like you still need to urinate after just going.
- Straining: Having to push or strain to start urination.
- Dribbling: Continued leakage of urine after finishing.
Treatment for BPH depends on the severity of symptoms and may include:
- Watchful waiting: Monitoring symptoms without immediate treatment, especially if symptoms are mild.
- Medications: Alpha blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to relax the prostate muscles or shrink the prostate.
- Minimally invasive therapies: Procedures like transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) or prostate artery embolization (PAE) to reduce prostate size and improve symptoms.
- Surgery: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser surgery to remove or shrink the prostate gland.
Early detection and appropriate management can help improve symptoms and quality of life for men with BPH. If you're experiencing any symptoms, consult a urologist for
.