Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is the most common prostate problem in men.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate, a walnut-sized body part made of glandular and muscular tissue, grows in size. The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and sperm out of the body. The benign (noncancerous) condition is also called benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).
The prostate is located directly below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra passes through the prostate, so if the prostate becomes enlarged, it can keep urine or semen from passing through the urethra.
The main function of the prostate is to produce fluid for the semen, the milky fluid in which sperm swims. Sperm is produced in the testicles, which also make the main male hormone testosterone. During puberty, testosterone stimulates the growth and function of the prostate, and helps with the production of fluid for semen.
BPH is the most common prostate problem in men. Almost all men will develop some enlargement of the prostate as they grow older. By age 60, 50-60% of men will have some signs of BPH; by age 85, 90% of men will have signs of the condition. About half of these men will develop symptoms that need to be treated.
Since the prostate gland surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine outside the body), it is easy to understand that enlargement of the prostate can lead to blockage of the tube. Therefore, you may develop early symptoms of BPH.
Symptoms:
Most symptoms of BPH start gradually and worsen over the years. The most common symptoms of BPH are:
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Frequent urination, especially at night. This is usually a very early symptom.
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Slow or weak stream of urine.
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Difficulty or straining in starting the urine flow, even when the bladder feels full.
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Urge to urinate immediately is the most bothersome symptom.
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Straining to urinate.
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Interrupted urine flow.
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Leaking or dribbling at the end of urination. Drops of urine are expelled even after urination causing wetting of underclothes.
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Incomplete emptying of bladder.
