Men's Health
Understanding BPH: What You Need to Know
Have you heard about BPH but aren’t quite sure what it means? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects many men as they age. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What is BPH?
BPH stands for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Let’s look at each part of that:
- Benign: This means it’s not cancer. BPH is not life-threatening.
- Prostatic: This refers to the prostate, a small gland in men located below the bladder. The prostate produces fluid that is part of semen.
- Hyperplasia: This means an increase in the number of cells. In BPH, the prostate gland gets larger.
So, BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
Why Does BPH Happen? As men age, it’s normal for the prostate to grow. This growth can sometimes squeeze the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), causing problems with urination.
Symptoms of BPH
Here are some common signs that you might have BPH:
- Frequent Urination: Needing to pee more often, especially at night.
- Urgency: Feeling a sudden, strong need to pee.
- Weak Stream: Having a weak flow of urine or taking a long time to finish peeing.
- Difficulty Starting: Trouble starting to pee even when you feel the urge.
- Incomplete Emptying: Feeling like your bladder isn’t completely empty after you pee.
How is BPH Diagnosed?
If you think you might have BPH, it’s important to see a doctor. They can diagnose BPH by:
- Asking Questions: About your symptoms and health history.
- Physical Exam: Including a digital rectal exam to check the size of your prostate.
- Urine Tests: To rule out infections or other issues.
- Blood Tests: To check for kidney problems.
- Imaging: Sometimes, an ultrasound or other tests are needed.
Treatment Options for BPH
There are several ways to treat BPH, depending on how severe your symptoms are:
- Lifestyle Changes: Simple changes like reducing fluid intake before bed, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and regular exercise can help.
- Medications: There are drugs that can shrink the prostate or relax the muscles around it to make peeing easier.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Procedures like Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) can reduce the size of the prostate without major surgery.
- Surgery: In more severe cases, surgery might be needed to remove part of the prostate.
Living with BPH
Many men live comfortably with BPH by managing their symptoms and getting regular check-ups. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the best plan for you.
BPH is a common and manageable condition. Understanding the symptoms and knowing your treatment options can help you lead a comfortable life. If you think you might have BPH or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at MTVIR for more information and support.
