Overview: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly occurring in older men. It can lead to urinary obstruction and various lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
Characteristics and Symptoms:
- Frequent Urination: Increased need to urinate, especially at night (nocturia).
- Difficulty Starting Urination: Hesitancy or delay in initiating urination.
- Weak Urine Stream: A weaker flow of urine and straining during urination.
- Inability to Completely Empty Bladder: A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
Diagnosis:
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical examination to assess prostate size and texture.
- Urinalysis: To rule out infections or other conditions.
- Uroflowmetry: Measuring the flow rate of urine to evaluate urinary function.
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound to assess prostate size and bladder post-void residual volume.
Treatment Options:
- Medications: Alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors to relieve symptoms and reduce prostate size.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser therapy to remove excess tissue.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
