A benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH in Houston TX, is a noncancerous enlargement of your prostate gland. It is common for older men to experience it. The prostate is a smaller organ that sits below the bladder and also surrounds the urethra. It makes fluid to nourish sperm. While prostate problems are common for men over age 50, they can usually be treated appropriately without harming your sexual functionality.
Developments
Benign prostatic hyperplasia usually starts for men in their 30s, and it usually evolves slowly. Most men don’t notice symptoms or problems until after they’re 50 or slightly older. While about half of all men develop symptoms, only 10 percent require surgery or medical intervention.
Signs and Symptoms
With benign prostatic hyperplasia, your prostate grows. Over time, it can compress the urethra, which prevents urine from flowing properly. It can also cause your urine to back up into the bladder, which causes you to feel like you have to urinate frequently.
Other symptoms can include slower urine flow, urgent needs to pass urine, and UTIs.
Treatments
It is important to understand that just because you have BPH does not mean you are more likely to get cancer. It is not a precursor to prostate cancer. Before you can be treated, you first need to have tests done to diagnose the problem. Most doctors only need to perform a rectal exam to determine if you have this issue. However, they may also use a cystoscope or ultrasound to check the prostate, bladder, and urethra.
Your general doctor may recommend or refer you to a urologist, as well.
If you aren’t bothered by your symptoms or have no symptoms, watchful waiting is the best course of action. Continue getting routine check-ups to ensure that the condition doesn’t get worse. Medications are also available to help with your symptoms and treatment of BPH. Visit Gulf Coast Urology for more info.
