What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition characterized by the enlargement of prostate tissue over time. The prostate is a gland in men that surrounds the urinary tract and regulates the flow of urine. As age advances, the gland begins to grow as a result of the proliferation of prostate gland cells. The common causes of BPH may include various factors such as aging, hormonal changes and genetic factors. BPH is generally a condition seen after the age of 50, and its frequency of occurrence may increase as age advances.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may cause problems related to urination, such as frequent urination and difficulty urinating. BPH is generally not associated with cancer; however, it may have similar symptoms. Therefore, a person experiencing such symptoms should consult a doctor and be thoroughly examined for an accurate diagnosis. For BPH treatment, doctors may only recommend regular follow-up or medication for some people with mild symptoms, while surgical intervention may be required for those with more severe symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the urinary tract is compressed or blocked by the enlargement of the prostate gland, and it can cause various symptoms. BPH symptoms may vary from person to person; sometimes symptoms may be mild, while at other times they can significantly affect quality of life. Some of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia are as follows:

Need to urinate frequently: You may feel the need to go to the toilet often, especially at night. As the volume of the bladder decreases, the need to urinate frequently may increase.

Straining during urination or weak urine flow: Enlargement of the prostate may compress the urinary channel and make urine flow difficult. Straining during urination, an intermittent flow, or a feeling of weak urine flow may occur.

Feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied: A feeling that the bladder has not been completely emptied after urinating may occur. This may lead to a need to go to the toilet frequently.

Delay in starting urination: The time it takes to start urinating may become longer, and even though you are ready to urinate, there may be a delay before the urine flow begins.

Sudden stopping or dribbling of urine: Urine flow may suddenly stop during urination, or urine may leak in the form of dribbling after finishing urinating.

Although the mentioned symptoms are typical symptoms of BPH, they may not be the same in every individual. BPH symptoms may also be associated with other health problems such as urinary tract infections, urinary stones or prostate cancer. Therefore, when such symptoms occur, it is important to consult a health professional for differential diagnosis and to obtain information about appropriate treatment methods.

How Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may begin primarily with taking a medical history from the patient. Diagnostic steps may include physical examination and various blood and imaging tests. Some of the diagnostic methods for BPH can be listed as follows:

Digital rectal examination

Urine and blood tests

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test (measurement of the protein secreted by the prostate gland)

Residual volume test (checking whether the bladder empties after urination)

Urodynamic and pressure-flow studies (examination of bladder pressure and muscle condition)

Cystoscopy (visualization of the urethra and bladder)

Prostate Biopsy

Doctors may select appropriate diagnostic methods based on symptoms and findings. These tests may help determine the diagnosis of BPH and the treatment plan.

What Are the Causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

The exact cause of BPH is not known; however, aging and hormonal changes are thought to play a role in this condition. Some factors are also thought to contribute to the development of BPH. The causes of BPH may include the following:

Aging: BPH is a condition that appears with advancing age and is seen on average in men aged 50 and over. Aging may cause growth and proliferation of the cells of the prostate gland.

Genetic factors: Men with a family history of BPH may have a higher risk of developing this condition. Genetic factors are thought to play a role in the development of BPH.

Hormonal imbalances: Imbalance of hormones such as testosterone and estrogen may stimulate prostate growth. Especially as people age, a decrease in testosterone levels and an increase in estrogen levels may be seen.

Medication use: The use of some pain relievers, cold medicines, allergy medicines and drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants may possibly result in BPH.

The combination of these factors may lead to growth of prostate gland cells, an increase in gland volume and, ultimately, compression of the urinary tract, leading to the development of BPH.

What Are the Treatment Options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are determined mostly according to the patient's age, general health condition and the size of the prostate. Some of the commonly used BPH treatment options are as follows:

Monitoring: In some cases, BPH symptoms may be mild and tolerable. In this case, doctors may recommend monitoring the symptoms. Regular check-ups may be performed to monitor symptoms and follow the progression of prostate enlargement.

Drug therapy: Many medications are available to relieve BPH symptoms. These medications may stop the growth of prostate tissue, improve urinary flow by relaxing the prostate muscles, or reduce symptoms. Drug therapy may not be beneficial in advanced cases, and surgical interventions may be required.

Minimally invasive treatments: Some minimally invasive treatments targeting prostate enlargement are available. These treatments are minimally invasive methods used to reduce prostate tissue or improve urinary flow. Some of these treatments can be listed as Rezum, holep and thuFLE. The mentioned treatments are methods preferred in patients whose prostate tissue has not grown excessively, such as in BPH, and they have fewer side effects and short recovery times.

What Is the Prostate?

The prostate is an organ within the reproductive system that is found only in men. Approximately walnut-sized, the prostate is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The size of the prostate changes with age and begins to grow from puberty onward. In some men, the prostate may grow abnormally, and this may lead to certain prostate diseases.

What Is the Function of the Prostate, What Does It Do?

The main function of the prostate is to perform important functions related to the reproductive system. The prostate is responsible for secreting fluid (seminal fluid) into the ducts that carry sperm. This fluid ensures the transport and protection of sperm, known as semen. Some of the functions of the prostate are as follows:

Sperm transport and protection

Sperm activation

Semen production

Hormone production

The functions mentioned above explain the important role of the prostate gland within the reproductive system. However, problems in the prostate gland, especially conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer, may affect the functions of the prostate. Therefore, maintaining prostate health and regular doctor check-ups are important.

What Are the Parts of the Prostate?

The prostate has three zones representing its different structural and functional features. These zones of the prostate can be described as follows:

Peripheral zone: This is the largest part of the prostate and covers its outer portion. The peripheral zone is the area where prostate cancer is most commonly seen.

Transition zone: Located in the inner part of the prostate, this zone is where the urethra enters the prostate gland. The transition zone is the area where the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is most commonly seen.

Central zone: This zone is located in the middle of the prostate and surrounds the urethra. The central zone produces part of the prostatic fluid.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) does not cause cancer in the long term. However, BPH and prostate cancer may occur together. Both conditions need to be addressed separately, and a comprehensive evaluation is performed by a doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Some medications may be used to control symptoms and improve urinary problems in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The effectiveness and safety profiles of these medications are generally considered good. However, long-term medication use in benign prostatic hyperplasia may cause side effects, and in this case, one should act according to the physician's guidance. Long-term medication use in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may cause side effects. Among the side effects encountered frequently are headache, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, decreased sexual desire, erection problems and elevated liver enzymes. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not a condition that causes blood in the urine. BPH refers to the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland and can affect urinary flow by compressing the urinary tract. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may be associated with erectile problems. Growth of the prostate gland can create pressure on the urinary tract and surrounding tissues, affecting sexual function. This may lead to erectile problems. In addition, some medications used in BPH treatment may also cause sexual side effects. If benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is left untreated, it may cause kidney failure, bladder stones and urinary tract infections. If you are experiencing symptoms related to this condition, you may apply to a healthcare facility.