Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, means an enlarged prostate that is not cancer. It often causes urinary symptoms. NIDDK says BPH affects 5 -- 6% of men ages 40 -- 64 and 29 -- 33% of those aged 65 and older, and that it is the most common prostate problem in men older than 50.
Symptoms
Weak urine stream, hesitancy, dribbling, frequent urination, nighttime urination, urgency, and a feeling of incomplete emptying.
Causes and risk
Age, testosterone, and estrogen changes in aging men drive prostate enlargement. Family history and obesity may also play a role.
How it is evaluated
Evaluation often includes symptom review, medication review, exam, urinalysis, and other testing when needed.
Treatment
Treatment can include watching symptoms, medication, lifestyle steps, and procedures in some cases. Treatment depends on symptom burden and obstruction severity.
When to seek care
Seek care right away for urinary retention, fever with urinary symptoms, or blood in urine.