WHAT IS BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH)?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate gland is enlarged and interferes with urination. This is a common condition in older men. It is not prostate cancer nor has it been linked to prostate cancer.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms may include the urgent need to urinate, increased frequency of urination especially at night, difficulty starting urination, a weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts, dribbling at the end of urination and incomplete emptying of the bladder. As the prostate increases in size, it may put pressure on the urethra and make urinating painful.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

Your Esse Health doctor may perform a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to determine any abnormalities and the extent of the enlargement. A DRE is an in-office procedure where your doctor will feel for the prostate by applying slight pressure inside the rectum.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?

A wide variety of treatment options are available for an enlarged prostate, including medications and surgical options. Depending upon the impact on the urethra (the tube that transports urine out of the body), minimally invasive procedures may be tried first. These involve the use of a cystoscope (a flexible tube inserted into the urethra to the prostate to look for blockage). The most common surgical procedure is a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). This procedure is considered the gold standard for treating blockage due to BPH.