What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

MOST MEN over the age of 50 have some prostate enlargement.  Most have either BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia, though an undiagnosed infection is the cause of discomfort and urinary issues. 

Both BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and prostatitis cause symptoms from an inflamed or swollen prostate gland. The prostate gland surrounds the neck of the bladder in males. The prostate gland releases the fluid which nourishes semen. The normal prostate gland is about the size of a ping pong ball, and may swell to the size of a tennis ball.  When it enlarges, the urethra (tube) narrows. When the narrowing is moderate or severe, urine flow is slowed or is stopped. For both prostatitis (infectious or inflammatory), and BPH, the prostate becomes swollen. 

What is PROSTATITIS ?…..The definition of prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate tissue. Causes of inflammation include infection, cancer, and repeated trauma. 

What is BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy)? 

Most men over the age of 50 have some prostate enlargement due to the proliferation of the cells that comprise the prostate gland. Most of these men have BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, even though they do not have any symptoms. This gland enlargement is noncancerous and is termed benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH. There is only one type of BPH, “benign,” meaning non-cancerous or not malignant in medical terms.

CAUSES of an enlarged prostate?

An enlarged prostate may be caused by BPH, prostatitis, or prostate cancer.

SYMPTOMS of BPH, Prostatitis and Prostate Cancer: 

• • BPH: Decreased urinary stream, difficult to begin urinating, the stream starts and stops. Increased frequency of urination at night. (generally begins in the late 40s to early 50’s).
  • PROSTATITIS: low back, pelvic, genital(testicles),  or rectal pain. Dribbling after urination, increased frequency of urination, inability or urinate, frequent urge to urinate, blood in the urine. (If infection is the cause, you may develop a fever, fatigue, have burning or pain during or on completion of urinating. Pain during ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. The elderly may develop rapid onset confusion and loss of appetite.)  
  • PROSTATE CANCER: The above symptoms of BPH or Prostatitis AND persistent low back pain, loss of bladder control. Weight loss, low back and bone pain occur during the late stage of cancer. During early prostate cancer, symptoms may be minimal or none. 

How about checking the “PSA” ?  (prostate specific antigen, blood test)

An elevated PSA value may indicate presence of cancer but non-cancerous issues such as BPH and infection may also elevate the PSA level. We recommend checking at age of 45, then yearly if PSA level is > 2.5 ng/ml. Consider having your physical exam up while your blood test is being checked if you have not had one in the last 2 years. 

SUMMARY of prostate problems

The prostate problems are common. Weak urine flow, difficulty urinating, increased frequency of urination, especially at night, are early signs. Infections are not always obvious as urine cultures may fail to show bacterial growth. Erectile dysfunction, weight loss, and back pain are late stages of prostate cancer. Having a simple blood test (PSA test), performed at age 45 + (especially if there is a family history of prostate cancer), is recommended. Prostatitis can’t always be cured but the symptoms can be managed effectively. Patients with prostatitis are not at higher risk for developing prostate cancer.