Enlarged Prostate
by Dr. Rubén D. Ureña
Urologist Surgeon
Uroclinic Medical Director
Enlarged prostate (BPH)
BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Benign means "not cancerous" and hyperplasia means abnormal cell growth. The result is that the prostate enlarges. BPH is not related to cancer and does not increase your risk of prostate cancer, however the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer can be similar.
Symptoms of BPH
Trouble starting urine flow or making it more than a drip
Urinate frequently, especially at night
Feeling that the bladder is not emptying completely
A sudden or strong urge to urinate
A weak or slow stream of urine
Stopping and starting over several times when urinating
Pushing or straining to start urinating
In the worst case, BPH can cause: a weak bladder, a reflux of urine that causes bladder or bladder infections kidney, a complete blockage of urine flow and kidney failure.
The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut when a man is in his 20s. By the time you're 40, your prostate may have grown a little bigger, to the size of an apricot. By age 60, it can be the size of a lemon.
The enlarged prostate can press against the bladder and urethra. This can slow or block the flow of urine. Some men may have trouble starting the flow of urine, even though they feel the urge to urinate. Once the flow of urine begins, it can be difficult to stop it.
Other men may feel like they need to urinate all the time, or they wake up when they are asleep with the sudden urge to urinate. The first symptoms of BPH take many years to become annoying problems. These initial symptoms are an indication to see a doctor.
Treatments for BPH
Some men with BPH will eventually find their symptoms bothersome enough to need treatment. BPH cannot be cured, but medicines or surgery they can often relieve your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you. Your symptoms may change over time, so be sure to tell your doctor about any new changes.
Watchful waiting
Men with mild symptoms of BPH who do not find them bothersome can choose this option. Watchful waiting means getting examined annually. Treatment is started only if the symptoms become very troublesome.
Some medications can worsen the symptoms of BPH, for this reason you should undergo a Medical evaluation.
By age 50, very few men have symptoms of prostate cancer, but some cells may be present precancerous or cancerous. More than half of all American men have some cancer of their prostate glands by age 80. Many of these cancers never have problems. They can never cause symptoms or become serious health threats.
Prostate cancer can spread to the lymph nodes of the pelvis. Or it can spread throughout the body. It tends to spread to the bones. So bone pain, especially in the back, can be a symptom of advanced prostate cancer.