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BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

1.What is BPH?
BPH is very common. It is a Benign condition and Not cancer. BPH is an enlarged prostate gland. Prostate gland is a part of male reproductive system. It is of size of walnut and weighs about a ounce. Prostate’s main job is to make fluid for semen. When Prostrate is enlarged it causes symptoms which come under the roof of Benign Prostrate Hyperplasia. About half of all the men between 51-60yrs and nearly more than 90% men above age of 80 have it.

2.What causes BPH?
Prostrate gland goes through two main growth cycles in a man’s life. First cycle is at the puberty when it doubles and second cycle starts after age 25 and continue throughout the man’s life, thats when BPH develops. BPH is considered a normal condition of aging. Although the exact cause is unknown, changes in male sex hormones that come with aging may be a factor.
3.Who’s more likely to get BPH?
BPH is more common in older men. It usually doesn’t affect men younger than 40 years. You may be more likely to get BPH if you have
-Family history
-Obesity
-Ethnicity: BPH is reported more common in Blacks, Caucasians and Jews than Asian men
-Diabetes, Hypertension and problems with clotting can increase your odds of getting BPH
-Erectile dysfunction
-Use of Beta blockers for Hypertension

4.What are the symptoms of BPH?
As the prostrate gets larger, it starts to pinch the urethra.It also means your bladder has to work harder to push urine out.This affects the urine flow and causes urinary symptoms which are the most common presentation of BPH.
-Needing to urinate often
-A hard time getting started
-Week stream
-Needing to start and stop several times
-Dripping when you finish

Over time, bladder muscles weaken which makes it harder for it to empty.This will give rise to symptoms such as
-Feeling that bladder is still full, right after urinating
-Feeling that urinating can’t wait
-You can wake up several times Ina night to pee
-Incontinence(When you don’t have control over when you pee)
The size of your prostate doesn’t necessarily determine the severity of your symptoms. Some men with only slightly enlarged prostates can have significant symptoms, while other men with very enlarged prostates can have only minor urinary symptoms.

5.If BPH is benign will it give rise to any complications or emergencies?
Complications of an enlarged prostate can include:
– Urinary Retention :Sudden inability to urinate . You might need to have a tube (catheter) inserted into your bladder to drain the urine. Some men with an enlarged prostate need surgery to relieve urinary retention.
-Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Inability to fully empty the bladder can increase the risk of infection in your urinary tract. If UTIs occur frequently, you might need surgery to remove part of the prostate.
-Bladder stones. These are generally caused by an inability to completely empty the bladder. Bladder stones can cause infection, bladder irritation, blood in the urine and obstruction of urine flow.
-Kidney damage. Pressure in the bladder from urinary retention can directly damage the kidneys or allow bladder infections to reach the kidneys.

6.When should I see a doctor?
When Should I See a Doctor? Growth of this gland, which is just below the bladder, is typical. We now know that prostrate gland is going to grow at different rate for different men. Hence it’s worth getting it checked out if you have common BPH symptoms, such as:
• Dribbling when you finish peeing
• A hard time starting a stream
• Having to pee a lot — 8 or more times a day
• Waking up several times a night to pee
• A weak urine stream or you pee in stops and starts