Overview

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It is extremely common as men age and can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms by squeezing the urethra.

Symptoms

  • Weak or interrupted urine stream
  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
  • Inability to completely empty the bladder

Causes

The prostate gland naturally grows throughout a man's life. Changes in sex hormone balance as part of the aging process are believed to cause this growth.

Treatment

Medication

Alpha-blockers relax bladder neck muscles, while 5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate.

Procedures

Minimally invasive options like Rezum (steam therapy) or UroLift, and surgical options like TURP or HoLEP are available for more severe cases.