What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the enlargement of the prostate and surrounding tissue. The prostate undergoes two significant growth phases in a man's life. The first occurs during early puberty when the prostate doubles in size. The second phase begins around the age of 25 and continues throughout most of a man's life. With aging, the prostate may increase in size, and BPH occurs when it becomes sufficiently enlarged to create issues.
As the prostate expands, it exerts pressure on the urethra, leading to thickening of the bladder wall. Over time, the bladder may experience weakening, resulting in the loss of its ability to completely empty. This retention of urine in the bladder contributes to various lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH. Understanding how BPH induces these symptoms aids healthcare professionals in determining the appropriate type of treatment, if necessary.
How Does the Prostate Function?
The prostate plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system. Its primary function is to produce fluid that becomes part of semen. Approximately the size of a walnut and weighing around an ounce, the prostate is positioned beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, a tube responsible for transporting urine from the bladder and expelling it through the penis.
How Does the Prostate Function?
Who is Prone to Developing BPH?
- Males aged 50 and above, as the likelihood of BPH increases with advancing age.
- Individuals with a family history of BPH, particularly those whose fathers experienced it.
- Men classified as overweight or obese.
- Those leading a sedentary lifestyle with limited physical activity.
- Some men grappling with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Symptoms of BPH
- Increased Urination Frequency: Men grappling with BPH often experience a heightened urge to urinate, particularly at night (nocturia). This can lead to urinating more than eight times daily due to the enlarged prostate putting added pressure on the urethra, resulting in involuntary urination.
- Urination Challenges: The process of urination becomes challenging as heightened pressure on the urethra obstructs the flow of urine from the bladder to the penis. Initiating a urine stream becomes difficult, and the stream itself may be weak, interrupted, with increased difficulty towards the end of urination.
- Discomfort During Urination and Ejaculation: Pressure on the urinary and reproductive systems can cause pain during both urination and ejaculation. Some individuals may experience pain when exerting effort to expel urine. Infections during BPH may also contribute to this discomfort.
- Changes in Urine Color and Odor: Urine may adopt a dark color and exhibit an unusual odor due to urinary retention. An unpleasant smell can indicate urinary tract infections, while blood in the urine may result from dilated veins on the enlarged prostate's surface.
- Urinary Retention: The inability to pass any urine, known as urinary retention, requires immediate attention and consultation with a doctor for proper treatment.
- Urinary Tract Infections: Incomplete bladder emptying can lead to the growth of bacteria in the bladder, causing darkening of urine and emitting a foul odor.
- Formation of Bladder Stones: Inability of the bladder to completely empty itself may lead to the development of bladder stones. These hard mineral lumps form when concentrated urine in the bladder undergoes crystallization. Bladder stones can result in infections, blood in urine, bladder irritation, and may obstruct urine flow.
As observed, benign prostatic hyperplasia entails the swelling of the prostate gland, leading to various issues related to urination and diverse symptoms. Consequently, it is recommended to seek prompt treatment.