Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) happens when the prostate and its surrounding tissue swell. This condition is also called prostate enlargement, which usually occurs as men get older. This is not cancer and does not increase the risk of having prostate cancer.

If you have problems with your prostate, you can have your prostate ultrasound and biopsy at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center and have it checked by the best urologists in Brooklyn.

When your prostate gland enlarges, it can squeeze your urethra, and over time the bladder weakens and loses its ability to empty completely – causing problems associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Your prostate is the walnut-shaped gland that is part of your male reproductive system, and its main function is to make fluid that goes into your semen. This fluid is very essential in your fertility.

Symptoms

The severity of symptoms in people who suffer from this condition varies and tends to worsen over time. The common signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia can include:

• Frequent need to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination at night
• Weak urine stream
• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• A urine stream that starts and stops

The less common signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia can include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Blood in the urine
• Inability to urinate

Also, the size of your prostate doesn’t necessarily determine the severity of your symptoms. Some men may only have a slight enlargement of the prostate but have significant symptoms, while you can have a very enlarged prostate but only suffer from very minimal urinary symptoms.

Causes

The actual causes of benign prostatic hyperplasia are still unknown. Although some factors are linked to aging and testosterone levels of men. But men who have their testicles removed do not necessarily develop benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Complications

Complications of benign prostatic hyperplasia can include:

• Acute urinary retention
• Chronic urinary retention
• Urinary tract infection
• Bladder stones
• Bladder infection
• Kidney damage is caused by retaining a large amount of urine in the bladder
• Blood in the urine

Treatment

Treatment for your benign prostatic hyperplasia may include:

• Lifestyle change – this can help if you only have mild and slightly bothersome symptoms. This may include exercising your pelvic floor muscles, and reducing liquid intake especially caffeinated beverages and alcoholic drinks.
• Medications – your doctor may prescribe medications that can help you reduce your symptoms and stop the growth of your prostate
• Minimally invasive procedures – this procedure can include transurethral needle ablation, water-induced thermotherapy, prostatic stent insertion, and transurethral electro vaporization
• Surgery – this procedure is only recommended when all other treatments are not successful. This is also recommended for long-term treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia cannot be prevented. If you have high risk factors for this condition you should talk to a urologist and schedule regular prostate exams for early diagnosis. Contact your doctor right away if you have urine in your blood, cannot urinate, or have a burning feeling when urinating.

For BPH treatment, our team of urologists at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center will help you diagnose, treat, and manage your condition. To schedule an appointment, you may call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit our website at http://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/. You can also visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212.