Symptoms and Treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men where the prostate gland enlarges. This enlargement can lead to various urinary symptoms due to the pressure on the urethra.

Symptoms of BPH

The symptoms of BPH include frequent or urgent need to urinate, difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream, dribbling at the end of urination, and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

Treatments for BPH

There are several treatment options available to manage BPH:

Medication:

Alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are commonly prescribed to relax the muscles around the bladder and reduce the size of the prostate gland.

Minimally Invasive Therapies:

Procedures such as transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) or prostatic urethral lift can help relieve symptoms without major surgery.

Surgery:

In severe cases, surgical options like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser surgery may be necessary to remove excess prostate tissue and improve urine flow.

It is essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment to manage BPH effectively and maintain prostate health.