What is BPH, Causes and Symptoms?

BPH refers to benign prostatic hyperplasia (increase in the number of prostate cells) or hypertrophy (increase in size of prostate cells).

BPH is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. As the prostate surrounds the top part of the urethra, enlargement of the prostate makes the urethra narrower than normal and puts pressure on the base part of the bladder, Narrowing of the urethra can affect the passing of urine.

BPH is not usually life-threatening but the symptoms have a major effect on quality of life.

Causes:

BPH is a normal condition of male aging, most of men older than 80 years have BPH symptoms, due to changes in male sex hormones that come with aging.

Any family history of prostate problems or any abnormalities with your testicles may raise your risk of BPH.

Symptoms

BPH symptoms are often very mild at first, but they become more serious if they aren’t treated. Common symptoms include:

• Feeling that the bladder is full, even right after urinating
• Feeling that urinating "can't wait"
• Weak urine flow
• Dribbling of urine
• The need to stop and start urinating several times
• Trouble starting to urinate
• The need to push or strain to urinate