Prostate, Enlarged
(Prostate Hypertrophy; Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, BPH)DESCRIPTION
Enlargement of the prostate (a gland surrounding the neck of the bladder and urethra in the niale).
The enlargement does not cause problems unless it obstruct the flow of urine from the bladder.
It occurs more often in men over age 50.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Increased urinary urgency and frequency, especially at night.
Weak urinary stream.
Straining and dribbling on urination.
Feeling that the bladder cannot be emptied completely.
Burning on urination.
CAUSES
Exact cause unknown, may be due to hormonal changes that accompany aging.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Aging.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
No specific prevention known. Appears to be a part of the aging process.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Symptoms in the majority of patients remain stable, while 10-20% will need treatment.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
About 11-13% of males with BPH will be found to have clinically undetectable prostate cancer.
TREATMENT
Diagnostic tests may include digital rectal examination, a urinary flow rate with post-void residual.
The degree of difficulty BPH is causing you should be determined with a question and answer interview about your specific symptoms.
This can help in making treatment decisions, and then after treatment, provides a good indication of degree of improvement.
Surgery, transurethral resection of the prostate, may be recommended.
Complications are rare, but are of great concern to patients.
Treatment with medications is an option.
MEDICATION
Alpha-adrenergic blockers, hormonal agents and anti- androgens may be prescribed.
Antibiotics if you develop a urinary-tract infection.
Read labels on all non-prescription medicines. Avoid those that state not recommended if you have prostatic hypertrophy (examples are antidiarrheals, decongestants and antihistamines).
NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF
You can not urinate or if you develop fever or pain with urinating.
You have an enlarged prostate and the symptoms are worsening.
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