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Metabolic

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men

Overview

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), also called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. As the prostate grows, it can squeeze the urethra and cause bothersome urinary symptoms. BPH is extremely common — affecting over 50% of men by age 60 and up to 90% by age 85. It is not prostate cancer.

Risk Factors

  • Age — risk increases significantly after 50
  • Family history of BPH
  • Obesity and metabolic syndrome
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease and use of beta-blockers

Symptoms (LUTS)

BPH causes Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS):

  • Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
  • Urgency — sudden strong urge to urinate
  • Weak or slow urine stream
  • Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy)
  • Dribbling at the end of urination
  • Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
  • Urinary retention (inability to urinate) — seek urgent care

Management

Watchful Waiting (Mild Symptoms):

Regular monitoring with lifestyle changes — reduce fluids before bed, limit caffeine and alcohol, double voiding technique.

Medications:

  • Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) — relax prostate muscle
  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) — shrink prostate
  • Combination therapy for larger prostates

Surgical Options (Severe Cases):

TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate) or minimally invasive procedures like laser ablation or UroLift® when medications are insufficient.

When to See Your Family Doctor

See your doctor if urinary symptoms are affecting your sleep or quality of life. Urgent care is needed if you cannot urinate at all, have blood in the urine, or experience pain.

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