Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
(BPH, Enlarged Prostate)
Medical Author: Glenn Gerber, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Prostate Problem Warning Signs
The prostate is a small organ about the size of a walnut. It is found below the bladder (where urine is stored) and surrounds the tube that
carries urine away from the bladder (urethra). The prostate makes a fluid that becomes part of semen. Semen is the white fluid that contains sperm.
Prostate problems are common in men age 50 and older. Sometimes men feel
symptoms themselves, or sometimes their doctors find prostate problems during routine exams. Doctors who are experts in diseases of the urinary tract (urologists) diagnose and treat prostate problems.
There are many different kinds of prostate problems. Many don't involve cancer, but some do. Treatments vary but prostate problems can often be treated without affecting sexual function.
Signs of Prostate Problems
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Blood in urine or
semen
- Painful or burning urination
- Difficulty in urinating
- Difficulty in having an erection
- Painful ejaculation
- Frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, or upper thighs
- Inability to urinate, or
- Dribbling of urine
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away to find out if you need treatment.
What is the prostate gland?
The prostate is a small organ about the size of a walnut. It lies
below the bladder (where urine is stored) and surrounds the urethra (the tube that
carries urine from the bladder). The prostate makes a fluid that helps to nourish sperm as part of the semen (ejaculatory fluid).
Prostate problems are common in men 50 and older. Most can be
treated successfully without harming sexual function. A urologist is a specialist in
diseases of the urinary system, including diagnosing and treating problems of the prostate
gland.
How does the doctor detect prostate enlargement?
A doctor usually can detect an enlarged prostate by rectal exam.
The doctor also may examine the urethra, prostate, and bladder using a cytoscope, an
instrument that is inserted through the penis.
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is nonmalignant (noncancerous)
enlargement of the prostate gland, a common occurrence in older
men. It is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia and abbreviated as BPH.
When does benign prostatic hyperplasia start?
BPH generally begins in a man's 30s, evolves slowly, and most commonly only causes symptoms after 50.
What happens in BPH? What are symptoms of BPH?
In BPH, the prostate gland grows in size. It may compress the urethra which courses through the center of the prostate. This can impede the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra to the outside. It can cause urine to back up in the bladder (retention) leading to the need to urinate frequently during the day and night. Other common symptoms include a slow flow of urine, the need to urinate urgently and difficulty starting the urinary stream. More serious problems include urinary tract infections and complete blockage of the urethra, which may be a medical emergency and can lead injury to the kidneys.
How common is BPH? Are there any risk factors?
BPH is extremely common. Half of all men over 50 develop symptoms
of BPH, but only 10% need medical or surgical intervention.
Is BPH a type of cancer?
No! BPH is completely benign. It is not a precursor (a
forerunner) to prostate cancer.
Next: Is BPH always treated? »
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