What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly seen in men over 50 years of age. The prostate, a small gland located below the bladder, surrounds the urethra and plays a role in the male reproductive system. As men age, the prostate can grow larger, potentially causing urinary problems by compressing the urethra.

An enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It also can cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The symptoms of BPH can vary but commonly include:

Causes & Risk Factors

The prostate gland is located beneath the bladder. The canal that moves urine from the bladder out of the penis is called the urethra. This canal passes through the center of the prostate. When the prostate gets bigger, it starts to block urine flow.

The prostate is a gland that typically keeps growing throughout life. This growth often enlarges the prostate enough to cause symptoms or to block urine flow. Most prostate gland enlargement is benign or non-cancerous enlargement.

Risk factors for an enlarged prostate include:
Age

BPH is rare in men under 40 but becomes more common as men age. By age 60, about half of men will have some signs of BPH, and by age 85, it’s about 90%.

Family history

A family history of prostate problems can increase the risk.

Diabetes and Heart Disease

Studies suggest that diabetes, heart disease, and the use of beta blockers might increase the risk of BPH.

 

Lifestyle

Obesity raises the risk of BPH. Exercise can help lower the risk.

Diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Diagnosing BPH involves several steps, including:

Medical History and Physical Exam

Your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination, evaluating the IPSS score card, and a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the size and shape of the prostate.

Urinalysis

This test checks for signs of infection or other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test

Elevated PSA levels can indicate an enlarged prostate, but higher levels can also be due to prostate cancer or other conditions.

Uroflowmetry

This test measures the strength and amount of your urine flow.

Postvoid Residual Volume Test

This test determines how much urine remains in the bladder after urination.

Imaging Tests

Ultrasound or MRI may be used to evaluate the prostate and urinary tract.

Treatment

Many treatments can help Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). These include medicines, surgery and other procedures. The right option depends on things such as your symptoms, size of your prostate and other health problems you might have.

How Can We Help You

We understand the impact of enlarged prostate and frequent urinations can have on your quality of life. Our team of compassionate healthcare professionals is here to offer personalized care and support throughout your journey. We specialize in advanced diagnostic techniques and a range of treatment options tailored to meet your individual needs.

Contact us

Ready to take the next step in managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)? Schedule a consultation with our expert team at IMIIT. We’re committed to helping you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

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Find a Location Near You

Looking for minimally invasive BPH treatments close to home? IMIIT provides non-surgical care for enlarged prostates at our offices in Rancho Cucamonga, Downey, and Oak Park. We welcome patients from across Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Pasadena, Riverside, San Bernardino, Chicago, Oak Park, Naperville, and beyond. Whether you’re nearby or traveling for care, our team is here to make the process easy and ensure you get the personalized treatment you deserve.