Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)Not what you're looking for? Show
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is also called benign prostatic hypertrophy. It’s when the prostate gland becomes very large and may cause problems passing urine. BPH is not cancer, and is a common part of aging. The prostate gland is found only in males. It’s located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate's job is to make some of the fluid that protects and nourishes sperm cells in semen. This makes the semen more liquid. BPH can raise levels of PSA (prostate-specific antigen). PSA is made by the prostate and can be measured with a blood test. An increased PSA level does not mean you have cancer. But the higher the PSA level, the higher the chance of having cancer. Some symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer are the same. But BPH is not cancer and does not develop into prostate cancer. What causes BPH?The cause of BPH is not known. The prostate goes through 2 main periods of growth. In early puberty, it doubles in size. Then around age 25, the prostate starts to grow again. It continues to grow for most of a man's life. The continuing growth of the prostate may not cause problems until much later in life, when the second period of growth may result in BPH. It is a common problem for men starting in their 60s. And it is more likely for men in their 70s and 80s to have some symptoms of BPH. What are the symptoms of BPH?As the prostate grows, it presses against the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This interferes with urination. At the same time, the bladder wall becomes thicker and irritated, and begins to contract, even when it contains only small amounts of urine. This can cause more frequent urination. These changes cause the bladder muscle to weaken. It may not empty fully and can leave some urine behind. This leads to symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of BPH:
These problems may lead to one or more of the following if BPH is not treated:
The symptoms of BPH may look like other conditions or health problems. Always talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is BPH diagnosed?Diagnosing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in its earlier stages can lower the risk of complications. Your healthcare provider will review your health history and do a physical exam. Other tests may include:
How is BPH treated?With time, BPH symptoms often need some kind of treatment. When the prostate is just mildly enlarged, treatment may not be needed. In fact, research has shown that, in some mild cases, some of the symptoms of BPH get better without treatment. The need to start treatment will be decided by you and your healthcare provider after careful evaluation of your symptoms. Regular check-ups are important, and they’re needed to watch for developing problems. Treatment for BPH may include: SurgeryTo remove only the enlarged tissue that is pressing against the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), with the rest of the inside prostate left intact. Types of surgery often include:
Nonsurgical treatmentsThese may include:
What are possible complications of BPH?Delay in treatment can cause lasting (permanent) bladder damage that can't be treated. Living with BPHManagement of BPH may include:
Key points about BPH
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Marc Greenstein MD Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? What is the relationship between BPH and prostate cancer?BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Benign means "not cancer," and hyperplasia means abnormal cell growth. The result is that the prostate becomes enlarged. BPH is not linked to cancer and does not increase your risk of getting prostate cancer—yet the symptoms for BPH and prostate cancer can be similar.
What is the relationship between prostate cancer and the condition of an enlarged prostate also known as BPH quizlet?Unlike prostate cancer, BPH is not cancerous nor is it fatal. 4 As you age, your testosterone levels increase, which, in turn, causes your prostate to grow in size or become enlarged. During a physical exam, if you have BPH, your healthcare provider will notice your prostate feels larger than it should be.
What is the difference between prostate cancer and prostate enlargement?Digital rectal examination
If the gland has grown in size, the enlargement may be detectable with the finger. In BPH, the enlargement feels smooth and firm while in prostate cancer, the gland may feel hard and lumpy. The procedure is not usually painful but may be a bit uncomfortable.
Does an enlarged prostate mean you have prostate cancer?An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer.
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