Prostate Health and You - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Part 1 - What is BPH?
Part 2 - Symptoms and Diagnosis
Part 3 - Treatment

Part 1 - What is BPH?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men as they age in which the prostate becomes enlarged. Approximately 50% of men have evidence of BPH by age 50 and 75% by age 80. In 40-50% of men it becomes a clinical issue[i]. BPH can cause bothersome urinary symptoms and left untreated BPH can block the flow of urine and cause severe bladder, urinary tract and kidney problems.

The prostate is approximately the size of a walnut and is located at the base of the penis just below the bladder. The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries semen and urine through the penis.

As the prostate grows larger it squeezes the urethra and this can cause partial or complete blockage of the urethra interfering with the normal flow of urine, it also compresses the bladder, which can cause less urine to be stored and a more urgent need to urinate.

Click here to continue to Part 2 - Symptoms and Diagnosis

[i] Rubenstein, Jonathan; McVary, Kevin T. (February 6, 2008). "Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy of the Prostate (TUMT)". eMedicine. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/449623-overview.