What Prostate Enlargement (BPH) Is
BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a benign enlargement of the prostate gland not caused by cancer. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, producing seminal fluid.
This condition commonly affects elderly men. As men age, prostate cells can grow excessively, enlarging the gland and pressing on the urethra. Urine flow from the bladder becomes obstructed, triggering complaints known as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
BPH Symptoms in Elderly Men
BPH symptoms appear gradually and can worsen over time. Common complaints include difficulty starting urination, needing to strain or wait a long time, a weak or interrupted urine stream, and a feeling that the bladder is not fully empty after urinating.
Patients also tend to urinate more frequently, especially at night, known as nocturia, which can disrupt sleep quality. An urgent need to urinate that is hard to hold back, along with dribbling at the end of urination, is also frequently reported. Though initially mild, persistent complaints can disrupt daily activities and should not be ignored.
Dangers of Leaving It Untreated
Many men consider a weakening urine stream or waking at night to urinate as a normal part of aging. As a result, patients often only see a doctor once complications have set in, sometimes when they cannot urinate at all.
If untreated, BPH can cause recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney damage from back pressure of a full bladder. Remember, BPH is benign, but its symptoms resemble early-stage prostate cancer. That is why early detection through routine screening is vital to tell the two apart.
Treatment and When to See a Doctor
For mild symptoms, doctors generally recommend lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising regularly, and cutting caffeine intake. For more bothersome symptoms, doctors may prescribe drugs like tamsulosin, which relaxes prostate and bladder muscles, or finasteride and dutasteride, which help shrink the prostate.
If medication is not enough, minimally invasive procedures up to surgical removal of part of the prostate are available. See a urologist promptly if urinary complaints persist, worsen, or come with pain, blood in urine, or fever. Early treatment keeps quality of life high in old age.
