Getting to Know BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

BPH is short for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and refers to male prostate gland enlargement. It causes an urge to urinate frequently, with difficulty while urinating and an inability to get the urinary bladder to empty completely.

Age is the main reason for BPH. Among older men, it seems to be a common complaint. About half of men over the age of 55 years are said to be suffering from BPH.

It's necessary for BPH to get properly diagnosed, in order to assess options of treatment and to help prevent other serious problems like prostate cancer.

This being a sensitive area, many men are embarrassed to go for treatment. They may live with these symptoms and yet not admit they have a problem.

Others have a fear of getting a diagnosis that shows prostate cancer. They may simply be too afraid.

While this is quite understandable, it is not necessary to suffer in silence. If there is indeed a problem, it is much better to have open knowledge. It helps to get back control and the ability to choose among the options available for treatment.

The term 'benign' means that malignancy is not the case. If you are diagnosed with BPH, you can cease worrying about cancer. There are steps you can take to prevent the onset of prostate cancer though.

BPH treatments are of three types. These are prostate surgery, drug treatments and natural medications.

Surgery As an option for treatment.

When BPH symptoms are severe and are causing major problems like an inability to empty urine from the bladder, then prostate surgery is probably the only available option. Surgery can take several types of forms, and the most common procedure is called TURP.

TURP is a safe operation. It is done without any cutting. The prostate is accessed through the urethra. The inserted instrument removes obstructive tissue and eases the pressure, relieving the symptoms.

Drug Treatments

If the symptoms are not that severe or if the patient is unwilling to accept surgery, drug treatments may be an option. There are two major types of drugs for treating BPH.

Hormones - they work through a process of interfering with testosterone, the male hormone. It is a long term and slow acting treatment. Side effects may include erection failure or impotence. An Example of hormonal treatment is Finasteride (Proscar).

Alpha Blockers - They relax the prostate muscles preventing urine flow. It may be faster than treatment using hormones. Side effects may include lethargy and weakness.