Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is the medical term for what is commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate. As males age, the prostate gland, responsible for producing the seminal fluid, goes through two primary growth stages.
You might find this surprising, but the first stage occurs in early puberty when the prostate doubles in size in preparation for adulthood. The second stage usually begins in the mid 20’s and will last a male’s entire life. This is typically the stage when BPH occurs, and some serious problems can start to show themselves.
As the Cleveland Clinic points out, benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common prostate issue in those assigned male at birth. Almost everyone with a prostate will experience some enlargement of the gland as they age – it’s pretty much inevitable.
Not everyone with an enlarged process will develop BPH, but if you are among those who do, it is essential to recognize the symptoms to speed up the care and treatment that can make a difference.
What Causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
The causes of an enlarged prostate aren’t entirely known, but many in the scientific community believe it might be related to changing hormone levels as males age. Regardless, we do know that the prostate grows, and as this continues, if the expansion becomes too pronounced, the gland can start to press against the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. If the pressure becomes too great, the prostate can pinch the urethra, preventing these fluids from effectively leaving the body, a condition that requires medical intervention.
Isn’t BPH The Same As Prostate Cancer?
No, this is a common misperception. They are not the same. BPH is not cancerous, and being diagnosed with the condition does not increase a male’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Unfortunately, however, the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer are very similar. So, it’s possible that if you show the signs of BPH, you might be experiencing the symptoms of undetected prostate cancer, which is why it is so important to get prostate cancer screenings. Every male should get a prostate cancer screening yearly between the ages of 55 and 69. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, start getting screed at the age of 40.
What Are The Warning Signs of BPH?
Only your doctor can diagnose you with BPH, but there are telltale signs you can easily spot that might indicate you have a problem with an enlarged prostate. Signs of the early stages of BPH, which is when you want to identify it, include:
- Slow flow or dribbling when you urinate
- Feeling like you need to pee but having problems starting a flow
- Unexpected and uncontrollable leaking
- Sudden and urgent need to urinate
- Having to get up in the middle of the night to urinate
- Feeling like you cannot empty your bladder completely
- Pain after ejaculation or urination
- Noticeable change of color in your urine
- Unusually pungent odor to your urine
The later symptoms of BPH that are left untreated are far more painful and dangerous. They include;
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Bladder stones
- Blood in the urine (a condition known as hematuria)
- Kidney damage is caused by urine backing up into the kidneys because the urethra is blocked. This undo pressure on the kidneys can cause severe damage to these vital organs.
Am I At Risk Of Developing BPH?
If you have a prostate, then you have some risk of developing BPH. As stated earlier, this is the most common prostate condition males face. According to the Cleveland Clinic, by age 60, about 50% of all males will show some symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. By age 85, the numbers spike dramatically to about 90% of all males.
Among all males diagnosed with some level of BPH, about half of them will require medical treatment. So, if you develop BPH that requires a urologist’s care, you are certainly not alone.
How is BPH Diagnosed?
A urologist will review your medical history and perform a physical examination that includes a digital rectal exam to feel the surface of your prostate, estimate the size, and look for any hardness that might indicate cancer. If you show signs of an enlarged prostate, your doctor may order further tests, including a urine flow test and cystoscopy, to examine the inside of your bladder.
Treatments For BPH
The best news for those diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia is that today, there are amazing new medications that are already proving to be lifesavers for so many men living with BPH. Better yet, these medications are now available in generic form, which can add up to monumental cost savings for those who need BPH treatment.
Incontinence medications, including Tamsulosin, Finasteride, and Dutasteride, work in a variety of different ways to relax muscles, shrink the prostate, relieve pressure on the urethra, and provide relief for those who have difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate.
At MediSuite, we are proud to provide these vital medications at the most affordable prices we can deliver, as well as easy telemedicine consultations to make getting your prescription as convenient as possible. Orders will be shipped discreetly to your home within 2-4 business days.
Whether you have a prescription from your doctor that needs to be filled or would like some critical questions answered regarding BPH, we’re here to make your treatment much more accessible.
FAQs
What are the signs of BPH?
The signs of BPH include difficulty starting a urine flow, dribbling while urinating, getting up at night to pee, painful urination, and feeling as though your bladder cannot empty. If you experience these signs, contact your primary care physician or a urologist for further examination.
How do I know it’s not prostate cancer?
Frankly, you don’t. The only way to know for sure if the symptoms you are experiencing are not cancerous is to see a doctor. BPH and prostate cancer share similar symptoms, so showing signs of BPH does not necessarily mean you have cancer, but it is important to get checked to be sure. Plus, about half of all males with BPH will require medical attention.
What’s the best treatment for BPH?
There are several different medications prescribed to treat BPH. They work on the prostate differently to help shrink the gland, relax muscles, and alleviate pressure on the urethra to improve urine flow. These include Tamsulosin, the generic form of Flomax®; Finasteride, the generic form of Proscar®; and Dutasteride, the generic form of Avodart®. Which one will work best to treat your individual BPH diagnosis must be determined by a doctor.
MediSuite is committed to men’s healthcare by providing doctor-prescribed medications at affordable prices delivered directly and discreetly to your door.