Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as benign enlargement of the prostate, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It becomes increasingly common as men get older and may gradually affect the flow of urine and bladder emptying.
Dr. Jaspreet Singh Chhabra provides comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment for men experiencing prostate enlargement, urinary obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms.
The prostate is a gland located below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra. As the prostate enlarges, it can narrow the urethra and make it more difficult for urine to pass.
BPH is not prostate cancer and does not itself mean that a man has prostate cancer. However, prostate symptoms should be properly evaluated because different conditions can cause similar urinary problems.
If significant urinary obstruction is left untreated, prostate enlargement can sometimes contribute to complications involving the urinary tract.
A urological evaluation helps determine the severity of symptoms, prostate size, urinary flow and whether another condition may be contributing to the problem.
Depending on the patient's symptoms, evaluation may include:
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, prostate size, urinary obstruction, bladder function and the patient's overall health.
Men with mild symptoms may sometimes be managed initially with lifestyle measures and regular monitoring.
Prescription medicines may be recommended for men with bothersome urinary symptoms. Depending on the individual case, medicines may help relax the prostate and bladder outlet or reduce prostate growth.
The choice of medication depends on the patient's symptoms, prostate characteristics, other medical conditions and possible side effects.
When symptoms are severe, complications develop or medicines do not provide adequate relief, a procedure or surgery may be considered.
Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may include minimally invasive procedures or endoscopic prostate surgery to improve urine flow by removing or treating obstructing prostate tissue.
The most appropriate procedure is selected after evaluating prostate size, urinary symptoms, bladder function and the patient's overall health.
Benign prostate enlargement is different from prostate cancer. BPH does not mean that a man has cancer, but urinary symptoms alone cannot always distinguish between different prostate conditions.
Appropriate evaluation helps determine whether further testing for prostate cancer or another urinary condition is required.
Men should consider a urological evaluation if they experience persistent difficulty passing urine, a weak urine stream, frequent urination, repeated nighttime urination, urinary urgency or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
Inability to pass urine, significant blood in the urine, fever with urinary symptoms or severe pain requires prompt medical attention.
Prostate enlargement is common and can often be effectively managed. Early evaluation can help identify the severity of urinary obstruction and determine whether monitoring, medicines or a procedure is appropriate.