Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or Prostate Enlargement
Prostate enlargement is as common a part of ageing as grey hair. As life expectancy rises, so does the occurrence of BPH. BPH is not a life-threatening disorder, but its symptoms can be quite troublesome and distressing.
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia (also known as Benign Enlargement of the Prostate or BEP). As age advances, the prostate gland slowly grows bigger (or enlarges). The word “benign” means the enlargement that it isn’t cancerous. The word “hyperplasia” means enlargement.
Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, when it gets bigger, it may press on the urethra. This may pose difficulty in passing urine. The individual usually seeks medical advice for these urinary problems rather than complaints of prostate per se.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate
Most symptoms of BPH start gradually over time. Many symptoms of BPH stem from obstruction of the urethra and gradual loss of bladder function. The symptoms of BPH vary, but the most common ones are as follows:
- Urinary frequency (especially at night)
- Urinary urgency
- Decreased force of the stream
- Difficulty in starting to pass urine (Hesitancy)
- The sensation of incomplete emptying
- Dribbling of urine, especially at the end of the stream.
- Burning during urination; chills and fever whenever infection has set in.
- Overflow incontinence or total retention: As the condition worsens, the bladder cannot expel urine and it becomes distended. This can cause swelling and pain in the abdomen. If the pain is severe or if only a few drops of urine can be passed, this is called acute urinary retention and needs immediate medical treatment.
