BPH Symptoms

BPH Symptoms

Do I have an enlarged prostate?

BPH is the enlargement of the prostate gland. Nearly half of all men in their 50s and more than 90% of men over the age of 80 have BPH. BPH can cause problems with normal bodily functions like sexual performance and urination. While BPH is a benign condition, it is important to know that some forms of cancer can happen simultaneously and present similar symptoms.

What is the prostate?

The prostate plays an important role in semen production. When the prostate becomes enlarged, it will impact the normal function of surrounding organs and vessels. This includes the urethra which travels through the center of the gland before entering the penis.

The prostate has two growth cycles. The first growth cycle occurs at puberty, and the second begins around 25 continuing throughout adulthood. As the prostate continues to grow in adulthood, you may begin to develop BPH symptoms. The natural flow of fluid through the urethra may begin to decrease as the prostate enlarges. Difficulty urinating is often the first sign of BPH. If you are having trouble urinating, it is time to see a board-certified urologist like Dr. Hatchett.

Prostate Pain

Early signs of BPH are often associated with bladder issues. Symptoms and severity will increase as the prostate continues to enlarge. BPH can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney damage, bladder complications, and other related issues. In the most severe cases, BPH can lead to the inability to urinate which is a critical medical emergency.

Urine Flow

When the prostate is enlarged, it squeezes the urethra leading to interrupted and decreased urine flow. The inability to relieve your bladder can lead to infections. Symptoms of prostate infection include:

• Difficulty to start urinating – the sensation to need to urinate but unable to start a urine stream or flow.
• Difficulty to maintain normal urine flow – the urine stream may start and stop frequently. This may also present as a weak urine stream and the inability to empty the bladder.
• Pushing or straining to maintain urine flow – urination should flow naturally and easily. There should be no need for excessive pushing or muscle strain.
• Difficulty to stop urinating – when the urine continues to drip.

 Bladder Sensations

BPH symptoms may also include bladder sensations making it difficult to sleep and relax. These bladder symptoms can cause discomfort and restlessness.

• Full bladder – the sensation that the bladder is full even though you have emptied it recently.
• Urgent urination – the need to immediately urinate.
• Frequent urination – feeling the need to urinate less than two hours from your previous urination.
• Nighttime patterns – waking up at night to urinate.

If these symptoms are feeling all too familiar, it might be time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hatchett. You may also consider taking our BPH quiz which can help distinguish between BPH and prostate cancer. This confidential online tool uses the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire. The quiz can measure the impact of BPH symptoms on your overall quality of life.

Causes of BPH

BPH is a naturally occurring condition in most men over the age of 50. While the cause is not known, some research suggests it may happen as hormone levels change as men age.

Risk Factors of BPH

Family history is the greatest risk factor for an enlarged prostate. Men below the age of 40 rarely show symptoms of BPH but by 80, nearly 90% of men will report symptoms. Other risk factors contributing to BPH include:

• Lack of physical exercise
• Obesity
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Side effects of medication

BPH Treatments

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your urologist may recommend a range of BPH treatment options.

Surveillance

If symptoms are mild, the best solution may be to wait and watch. When used with the guidance of your urologist, this can be a safe and effective response to BPH symptoms.

Medication

Medication can be used to alleviate BPH symptoms but they do not address the underlying issues. Some medications may also result in unpleasant side effects.

Surgery

There are two common surgical procedures for treating BPH.

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – this is the most common BPH surgery. It involves scraping the prostate to relieve pressure. Surgical risks may include erectile dysfunction and excessive bleeding.
• Greenlight Laser Prostatectomy (PVP) – this outpatient procedure uses laser technology to remove prostate tissue with minimal bleeding and fewer side effects than TURP.

UroLift®

UroLift® is an FDA-cleared minimally invasive treatment option that addresses the underlying cause of BPH. The UroLift® System lifts the prostate and releases the pressure on the urethra without the need for incisions. The UroLift® System can help patients enjoy the benefits of BPH symptoms relief while avoiding medication and invasive surgery.

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to get rid of your BPH symptoms, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hatchett. Dr. Hatchett can create the best treatment plan based on your needs and symptoms.