Facts about Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an

enlarged prostate.

Hormonal changes, family history, aging, obesity and lack of exercise

are common risk factors linked to BPH

signs of BPH:

  • having a hard time urinating
  • problems draining the bladder
  • dribbling after urination
  • a weak urine stream
  • leaking urine (incontinence)
  • frequent urination
  • pain when urinating 

BPH is the most common health issue of the prostate; however, it is

not linked to prostate cancer

and does not cause problems in all men with the condition

If an enlarged prostate is ignored, the symptoms can lead to other health issues like

damage to the bladder or kidneys, urinary tract infections and bladder stones 

BPH is the most common diagnosis made by urologists for men ages 45-74 years

bph affects about

50%

of U.S. men between the ages of 51 and 60

and up to

90%

of men over 80

If you have BPH, there are several choices for taking care of the condition. They include

medication, surgery, lifestyle changes and active surveillance

The prostate goes through two main growth cycles as a man ages 

  • The first occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size from very small to about the size of a walnut
  • The second starts around age 35 and carries on during most of a man’s life, with BPH most often occurring during this growth phase

For more information about BPH, visit the Urology Care Foundation’s website: UrologyHealth.org

UrologyHealth.org  |  SUMMER 2016  |  UROLOGY​​HEALTH extra