As men age, certain health issues become more common—and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is one of them. Often misunderstood, BPH refers to the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can interfere with normal urination and quality of life.
While it's not life-threatening, understanding BPH is crucial for early management and prevention of complications. In this blog, let’s break down the symptoms, causes, and modern treatment options for BPH.
What Is BPH?
BPH is the medical term for enlarged prostate, a condition where the prostate gland grows in size and compresses the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This leads to problems with urine flow and bladder emptying.
It’s extremely common in men over 50, and by the age of 80, nearly 90% of men have some degree of prostate enlargement.
Common Symptoms of BPH
Not every man with an enlarged prostate experiences symptoms, but many notice changes in their urinary habits, such as:
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Urgency to urinate
- Dribbling after urination
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Urinary retention in severe cases
What Causes BPH?
The exact cause of BPH isn’t fully known, but several factors contribute:
- Hormonal Changes: As men age, testosterone levels decline, and a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) may accumulate in the prostate, leading to growth.
- Age: Risk increases significantly after age 50.
- Family History: A genetic link can increase your chances.
- Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, and poor diet may also play a role.
Complications If Left Untreated
While BPH is benign, untreated or ignored symptoms can lead to serious complications:
- Bladder damage
- Kidney damage
- Bladder stones
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Acute urinary retention (sudden inability to urinate)
How Is BPH Diagnosed?
A urologist will perform several tests to confirm BPH and rule out other conditions:
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): To check the size and shape of the prostate
- Urine Flow Test: Measures speed and volume of urine
- Post-void Residual Test: To check how much urine remains after urinating
- PSA Blood Test: To screen for prostate cancer
- Ultrasound or Cystoscopy: For detailed internal imaging
Treatment Options for BPH
The right treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they impact your daily life.
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing fluid intake in the evening can help minimize nighttime trips to the bathroom. Limiting caffeine and alcohol is also important, as both can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms. Staying physically active supports overall prostate and urinary health. Bladder training and timed voiding can help improve bladder control and reduce urgency.
- Medications: Alpha-blockers like tamsulosin work by relaxing the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride help shrink the prostate over time, easing pressure on the urethra. For many men, a combination of both medications offers better symptom relief than either alone.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) remains the gold standard for surgical treatment of BPH, offering lasting relief. Laser therapy is a modern alternative that removes prostate tissue with less bleeding and quicker recovery. The UroLift® system gently lifts and holds back prostate tissue to relieve obstruction without cutting. Rezum™ water vapor therapy uses steam to reduce prostate size, offering a non-surgical option with minimal downtime.
BPH is manageable, and with newer treatments, surgery isn’t always necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is BPH the same as prostate cancer?
No. BPH is non-cancerous and doesn’t increase the risk of prostate cancer, though both can cause similar symptoms.
Q2. Can BPH go away on its own?
No, but symptoms can be managed and improved with lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures.
Q3. Does BPH affect sexual function?
Some men may experience changes, but many treatment options have minimal impact on sexual health.
Q4. When should I see a urologist?
If you notice urinary changes, especially at night, or feel incomplete bladder emptying, consult a urologist.
Q5. Is surgery the only solution for BPH?
No. Many men manage BPH successfully with medications or minimally invasive procedures.
Expert BPH Care with Dr. Rahul Yadav – Urologist in Delhi NCR
If you’re over 50 and experiencing urinary symptoms, it’s time to take control of your prostate health. Dr. Rahul Yadav, a leading Urologist and Andrologist in Delhi NCR, offers expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for BPH tailored to your lifestyle and comfort. From medication to the latest laser and minimally invasive therapies, you’ll receive compassionate, personalized care.
Don’t let BPH control your life or your nights.
