Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a common condition among men. It is characterized by the noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland among aging men. The prostate, which is part of the male reproductive system, is about the size and shape of a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate is responsible for the production of the ejaculatory fluid.
What are the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
When the prostate enlarges, it may act like “clamp on the hose” constricting the flow of urine. Most of the symptoms of BPH are related to the obstruction of urination and gradual loss of bladder function that results in the incomplete emptying of the bladder. The most common problems in urination are the following:
- Hesitancy or difficulty initiating the urinary stream, interrupted and weak stream of urine
- Urinary urgency
- Straining or the need to push to initiate or maintain urination to fully evacuate the bladder
- dribbling or loss of small amounts of urine due to poor urinary system
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Incomplete bladder emptying that feels like there is persistent residual urine remained in the bladder regardless of the frequency of the urination
Managing the symptoms
Sometimes, men do not realize they have BPH until they are not able or find it difficult to urinate. This condition, which is called urinary retention, is usually triggered by taking over-the-counter medications of cold and allergies. In some cases, partial obstruction can also be due to alcohol, cold temperatures and long periods of immobility. First aid management or treatment of incontinence may help you prevent complications that can exacerbate the condition later on.
If you have experienced the above symptoms, it is important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible. Although they more likely signal the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia, they may also signal other conditions that need special treatment such as prostate cancer.
The symptoms, especially the clinical history, play a great role in the diagnosis of the condition. Your doctor may ask you questions during consultation that may include, but not limited to the onset and duration of the symptoms, your general health issues including sexual history, fitness for any possible surgical interventions, the severity of symptoms and how they affect your quality of life, medications and previously attempted medications.
Since BPH can cause urinary obstruction there are a number of conditions that may develop related to urinary retention. Prolonged urine retention and straining can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney damage, bladder stones and inability to control urination (or incontinence). It is important that you have a regular check up as there is lower risk of developing such conditions if you found BPH in the lower stages.
Reference:
MedlinePlus. Enlarged Prostate. Retrieved on July 10, 2014 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/enlargedprostatebph.html.