BPH: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatments

Home
/
Health Wiki
/
BPH: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatments

Contents

In this article, we will take a look at:

You can click on any of the links above to navigate to the section of your interest.

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in men as they age. It is also known as prostate gland enlargement. It leads to several uncomfortable urinary symptoms and may lead to the blockage of flow of urine out of the bladder. It may cause kidney, bladder and urinary tract problems. Although there are several effective treatment methods, it is best to consult your doctor. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, your prostate size and other health conditions and choose a treatment method that suits you best.

How does BPH occur?

The prostate gland lies beneath the bladder. The tube that transports urine from the bladder to urethra passes through the centre of the prostate gland. The enlargement of the prostate gland blocks the flow of urine. Many men have continued growth of the prostate gland. This may lead to this blockage and cause other urinary symptoms as well. The two main causes of BPH are:

Age

Changes in the Balance of Sex Hormones

Who is prone to BPH?

Some people are more prone to the disease than others. Here are the risk factors of BPH:

Lifestyle – Obesity increases the risk of contracting BPH. Exercising on a daily basis can help lower your risk.

Family History – Having a blood relative with BPH increases your likelihood of suffering from the disease.

Diabetes and Heart Disease – Men with diabetes and heart disease are at a higher risk than others.

What are the symptoms of BPH? How is BPH diagnosed?

The severity of the symptoms of the disease varies in people. The symptoms tend to get worse with time. Here are a few of the common symptoms and signs of BPH:

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you about the severity of your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. The initial examination is likely to include the following:

What are the complications of a BPH?

There are several complications of an enlarged prostate. The more advanced the stage of BPH, complications are likelier. They include the likes of:

What is the treatment for BPH?

There are a number of treatment methods available for BPH. The best treatment option for you depends on the size of your prostate, your overall health, the amount of pain and discomfort you are experiencing and your age. In some men, the symptoms can ease without treatment. If your symptoms are tolerable, you can postpone your treatment and monitor your symptoms for a while. Here are the best treatment options:

Would you like to consult a doctor for BPH ?

Questions answered by trusted doctors

Verified User
I am 33 yr old suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. I have urinary pain in urethra, weak urine stream, urinary incontinence (feeling of incomplete emptying). I have been using Tab Alfoo and Urotone from past 20 days with very little improvement. Is surgery the only option for BPH? How can I/one live healthy with this condition for long term without stress/anxiety.
Dr. Rohan Jaju
Urologist, Mumbai
U may not have bph...it cud be something else also..
Verified User
I am 42 years old diagnosed with enlarged prostate of 44.3 cc and also having gall bladder calculi. having low pain in right side of stomach and slightly on back side also . no other problem except frequent urination. urine culture report is normal as well as urea.
Dr. B.V. Chandrashekar
Urologist, Bangalore
Prostate enlargement presents after 50yrs.symptoms not clear for urological problem.usg abdomen including post void residual urine may help.
Ask health queries and get free answers from doctors in 24 hrs

Related articles

Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland just below the voice box. It produces hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) that are responsible for metabolis

Tooth Pain: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Tooth pain or toothache is caused when the nerve to a tooth is irritated. There are numerous causes for tooth pain. If you have a fever, earache or pain upon opening your mouth wide, you should visit a dentist immediately.

Haemorrhoids: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Haemorrhoids are a very common disease. Three out of four adults suffer from haemorrhoids from time to time. It may not cause evident symptoms at times, while in others, it may cause bleeding, itching and discomfort.

Home Remedies

Performing Kegel exercises

Performing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can help.

Incorporating stinging nettle leaves

Incorporating stinging nettle leaves into your diet is a wise choice as these have anti-inflammatory properties and are a diuretic too.

Consuming apple cider vinegar

Consuming apple cider vinegar can also be beneficial as it has astringent properties and can shrink a swollen prostate.

Sitz Bath can offer relief from pain and soreness

Sitz Bath can offer relief from pain and soreness, and can increase blood circulation in the affected area.