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Enlarged Prostate / BPH / Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – Doctor and Condition

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is more commonly known as enlargement of the prostate gland.

Common Symptoms and Related Terminology:

Description of the Problem:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate happens as men age. If an enlarged prostate is left untreated, it can cause problems such as blocking the flow of urine and causing urinary retention, bladder stone formation or kidney issues. Thus, it is important to identify and treat BPH or enlarged prostate as soon as the symptoms start to develop.

Enlarged Prostate Causes:

BPH or enlarged prostate occurs to some degree in most aging men. From age 18, until death, several parts of men continue to grow. These include his ears, nose, hands, scrotum and prostate. BPH or enlarged prostates tend to run in families and tend to be more common when there is a lot of circulating male hormone testosterone. Almost every male gets some BPH/prostatic enlargement as he ages.

Enlarged Prostate Differential Diagnosis (What else could it be?):

Enlarged Prostate Evaluation:

BPH or enlarged prostate can be easily evaluated through a careful history and physical exam by your physician. They may also perform several tests. Urine tests, digital rectal exam, neurological tests, PSA blood tests, urinary flow tests, rarely prostate biopsy, and cystoscopy (bladder scope) are some of the tests sometimes performed if an enlarged prostate or BPH is suspected.

Enlarged Prostate Treatment:

Treatment will depend on the severity of the enlarged prostate. Medications and surgery such as a TURP (TransUrethral Resection of the Prostate) or prostatectomy are treatments for enlarged prostate or BPH.

Enlarged Prostate Summary:

BPH refers to benign growth of the prostate gland resulting in an enlarged prostate. Because the bladder drains through the gland, urinary flow can be reduced as the gland gets bigger and more occlusive. It is a highly treatable problem with both pills and simple outpatient procedures aimed at opening up the clogged gland.

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