Diseases & Conditions

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Authors: Michael Porter, MD
Last updated: February 10, 2006

• Overview |
• Symptoms |
• Causes |
• Risk Factors |
• Diagnosis |
• Complications |
• Treatment
  
• Self-care |
• Related Conditions |
• Other Articles of Interest
  Providers |
• Request an Appointment

Overview

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is a common condition that occurs in nearly 50% of men by age 60. BPH can best be described as a benign enlargement of the prostate gland. In some men, this enlargement occurs and has no symptoms, but in others it can cause bothersome symptoms related to bladder emptying.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms theat occur in men with BPH are related to bladder emptying, and include slow urinary stream, difficulty starting the urinary stream, incomplete bladder emptying, frequent daytime or nightime urination, and unpredictable strong urges to empty that may be associated with incontinence. Some men with advance BPH may also have recurrent bladder infections or experience a complete inability to void.

Causes

The causes of BPH are not completely understood. Most experts feel that BPH is likely caused by a complex interaction between hormones and the prostate gland.

Risk Factors

The biggest risk factor for BPH is aging, and there is some evidence that smoking and obesity may increase the risk of developing BPH.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of BPH is usually made by a physisican after a thorough history and physical exam. The pateint may also be asked to fill out a questionairre that helps the doctor assess symptoms and monitor response to treatment. The doctor may order additional urine and blood tests, as well as an ultrasound test of the bladder. They may also have the patient urinate into a special toilet that measures the flow of urine. The symptoms of BPH can be caused by other conditions, such as bladder and prostate cancer, so one of the doctors primary goals is to rule out these more serious conditions. These tests also help the physician determine the severity of BPH, which is important in recommneding treatment.

Complications

Men with BPH are at risk of developing urinary retention (the inability to urinate), hematuria (blood in the urine), bladder stones, and kidney damage. Though these complications are relatively infrequent, only a physician familiar with BPH can determine if a patient is at high risk for these complications to develop.

Treatment

Watchful waiting, oral medication, transurethral resection of the prostate, minimally invasive treatments for BPH, open surgery with removal of the prostate (uncommon).

Self-care

Men with BPH may benefit from behavior changes, such as cutting back on evening fluid intake, dietary changes, regular daytime voiding, and attention to complete bladder emptying.

Related Conditions

prostate cancer, overactive bladder

>>View all articles.

[to top]

Providers

Read about our surgeons:

• William J. Ellis , MD
• Michael P. Porter, MD
• Thomas K. Takayama, MD

Request an Appointment

At UWMC

Call (206) 598-4294.

For more information, go to the UWMC Urology Clinic Web page.

At HMC

Call (206) 731-3241

For more information, go to the HMC Urology Clinic Web page.

[to top]