Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is the enlargement of the prostate gland. It is a common condition that occurs as men get older. The prostate is usually about the size of a golf ball in adult men. Meanwhile, it can grow to be as large as an orange. As the gland enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra and the bladder wall becomes thicker. Over time, the bladder may weaken and lose the ability to empty fully. BPH is not cancer and does not cause cancer. Also, it is not a life-threatening condition.

The causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia are urinary tract infection, inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), narrowing of the urethra (urethral stricture), scarring in the bladder neck, bladder or kidney stones and cancer of the prostate or bladder.

The risk factors involved in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia are ageing, family history, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and erectile dysfunction.

Common signs and symptoms of BPH include frequent or urgent need to urinate, increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia), difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts, dribbling at the end of urination, inability to completely empty the bladder, urinary tract infection, inability to urinate, blood in the urine.

If Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is not treated early, it may lead to complications such as acute urinary retention, urinary tract infection, bladder stones, haematuria, kidney damage and bladder damage.

The laboratory diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia involves Renal Function Tests, Prostate Specific Antigen tests, Urinalysis, Urine Microscopy and Culture, Prostate Biopsy and a 24-hour Urine Test.

The treatment of BPH is by active surveillance, medications and surgery.

There is no clear means of preventing BPH. Meanwhile, the risk can be lowered by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet and staying active.

Visit MedBioTech for accurate diagnostic tests for BPH.

References:

my.clevelandclinic.org

www.mayoclinic.org

www.urologyhealth.org