Benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH is an abnormality in the male?s prostate glands. In order to better understand this condition, let us look at each of its components. When we say benign, we are referring to a condition that is considered to be not malignant or non-cancerous. Prostatic refers to the male prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut sized gland responsible for the production of some of the fluid found in the semen and can be found near the opening of the bladder. Hypertrophy is a condition wherein part of the body undergoes an abnormal increase in the number of cells that results in an overgrowth of the body part.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy can be easily defined as the non-cancerous overgrowth in the cells of the prostate. Although this condition is not related with prostate cancer, it can still cause problems. The prostate can be found surrounding the urethra that is the passage way of liquid from your bladder out to your penis. The increase in the prostate size can cause the urethra to compress which makes it difficult to pass urine.
A person who is diagnosed with benign prostatic hypertrophy may experience the following conditions:
* Difficulty in starting or initiating urine stream, also known as hesitancy
* Once urine stream was initiated, decrease in the volume of urine stream is noticeable.
* There can be intermittent urine flow.
* Getting up at night to void, also known as nocturia.
* Inability to fully void or empty the bladder, also known as retention.
The cause of this condition has yet been identified. However, this is commonly associated with age since most of those being diagnosed with the condition is affected during their middle age. In addition, alcohol and other drugs such as antihistamines, cold remedies, cough remedies, some heart drugs, anti-depressants and diuretics are identified to worsen the condition.
It is also common for people diagnosed with this condition to suffer from urinary tract infection due to the problems associated with urinating. If you feel any of the symptoms mentioned, you can visit a certified urologist to help you assess whether you have benign prostatic hypertrophy through physical examinations including the digital rectal examination (DRE).