What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostate enlargement is a condition that occurs in older men. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of the prostate gland. This is a fairly common occurrence among men, although the exact cause of prostate enlargement is not yet clear. Known in medical circles as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, the enlargement of the prostate gland is not malignant, which means that this is not a life-threatening condition.

Causes of Prostate Enlargement

Apart from the fact that abnormal enlargement usually occurs in men who are 40 or older, the exact cause of this condition is not yet known. Studies suggest a link between enlargement and testosterone. Abnormal enlargement causes similar symptoms in most men. An urgent need to urinate is one of the most common signs and could be due to the fact that the gland presses against the urethra, the passage for urine and semen. When the bladder thickens and becomes more irritable, even a less than full bladder creates the sensation of urgency.

Treatment for BPH

There are various medications formulated for BPH treatment although, in some cases, doctors simply monitor the growth until it stops. The two most popular medications for treatment are Fenasteride and Dustasteride. These medications have been shown to help reduce the size of the prostate and prevent any further growth. There are other treatments, such as the use of UV waves, heat, and even radio waves to destroy excess prostate tissue. These are minimally-invasive treatments, which means that they are often minor surgeries and require shorter recovery times. In men with severe prostate enlargement problems, complete removal of excess tissue by surgery is also a good option.