BPH (Enlarged Prostate): What Is It?

BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a commonly occurring condition faced by men, particularly as they advance in years. An age-related nonmalignant growth of the prostate, BPH is a condition that will affect nearly every man at some point after the age of 40. To put it in stark perspective? “9 out of 10 men over the age of 85 are diagnosed with BPH.” This prevalence underscores the importance of understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options associated with BPH.

What Causes BPH?

According to research, it is the shifting hormone levels with increasing age that disrupt the balance between cell proliferation and cell death, leading to the enlargement of the prostate. At the initial stages, this enlargement results in microscopic nodules that continuously grow in volume and mass. The abnormal growth predominantly occurs in the transition zone, the area surrounding the urethra.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The impact of BPH tends to manifest in disruptive lower urinary tract symptoms. As the prostate enlarges, symptoms such as reduced urinary stream, nocturia (frequent nighttime urination), urinary retention, urgency, frequency, and dribbling begin to appear. These symptoms are commonly a resultant effect of the prostate’s enlargement impeding the usual functioning of the urethra.

Addressing BPH: Treatment Options

Addressing the challenge of BPH often involves both surgical and pharmacological therapies. The choice of treatment is largely dependent on the severity and specifics of each patient’s condition. As with any medical condition, early detection and proactive management are key to maintaining one’s overall health and quality of life.

St Pete Urology: Your Local BPH Specialists

The journey towards managing and maintaining your prostate health doesn’t have to be a solitary one. Specialists in the field, such as those at St Pete Urology in St Petersburg, FL, are dedicated to helping patients navigate the complexities of conditions like BPH. With a patient-focused approach, St Pete Urology emphasizes understanding each individual’s journey and tailoring a treatment plan that addresses their unique needs.

Maintaining prostate health is a shared journey, and finding the right urologist is a critical step. In the hands of specialists like those at St Pete Urology, men suffering from symptoms of BPH can find both a compassionate ear and expert care. Remember, early intervention can help manage and control symptoms, so don’t hesitate to reach out to St Pete Urology for help managing your BPH and overall prostate health.

References:

• “Do You Have a Hormone Imbalance? – WebMD.” 28 Aug. 2023, https://www.webmd.com/women/ss/slideshow-hormone-imbalance.
• “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment & Management.” 22 Mar. 2023, https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/437359-treatment.
• “The Importance of Being Proactive: Understanding Benign Prostatic ….” 25 Jun. 2021, https://www.inspirahealthnetwork.org/news/importance-being-proactive-understanding-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia.

Transcription:

BPH is an age-related nonmalignant growth of the prostate that will affect nearly every man at some point after the age of 40 years. 9 out of 10 men over the age of 85 years are diagnosed with BPH. Due to altering hormone levels with increasing age, the balance between cell proliferation and cell death is no longer maintained, which causes the prostate to enlarge. 

This enlargement initially results in microscopic nodules that continuously grow in volume and mass. The abnormal growth is generally located in the transition zone, which surrounds the urethra. As a consequence, BPH often causes lower urinary tract symptoms that begin to appear as reduced urinary stream, nocturia, urinary retention, urgency, frequency, and dribbling. BPH is commonly treated with surgical and pharmacological therapies.