Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, occurs when enlarged cells of the prostate gland (which is only in men) cause urine to back up into the bladder. The condition is not cancer and does not lead to prostate cancer, but it can cause problems for some men as they get older. A large prostate gland can also block the urethra, making it difficult to pass urine or ejaculate. The prostate gland is usually the size of a walnut or golf ball in adults, but it can grow larger. In most cases, the enlarged prostate is not harmful and does not cause any symptoms, but some men have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities.
The prostate gland is located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It is the only gland in the male reproductive system and it surrounds part of the urethra, which carries urine (pee) from the bladder and sperm (ejaculate) to the penis. The prostate secretes some of the fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen, which is then passed from the testes into the penis.
When the prostate gland grows larger, it can irritate the urethra and ureters and cause problems with urinating. The condition is usually not a problem in younger men, but it gets more common as men get older. Men with mild or no symptoms can choose not to have treatment, but regular examinations are recommended to check for the presence of other problems that can affect your health.
In some cases, doctors recommend a medication that can shrink or relax the prostate. This can reduce symptoms and help the urine flow through the urethra. These medicines can be taken as a tablet or liquid, and they can be purchased without a prescription from most drug stores.
If medications do not relieve symptoms, more invasive surgery may be necessary to prevent the condition from worsening. The most common surgical procedure is transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP. In this procedure, a surgeon inserts a thin tube called a resectoscope into the urethra. The resectoscope has a light and a telescope lens to allow the surgeon to see the prostate. The surgeon then uses a tool to cut away the tissue that is blocking the urethra. Afterward, the doctor may use an irrigation solution to wash away any remaining tissue or blood. The patient stays one night in the hospital and may need a catheter.
Another less invasive surgery is prostatic urethral laparoscopic shave, or PUL. In this procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision and uses a tool to remove the enlarged part of the prostate that is pressing on the urethra. This can be done with local or general anesthesia.
There is no way to prevent the enlargement of the prostate gland, but some men may be more sensitive to it than others. Symptoms are often mild and improve with age, but if they become more serious, men should talk to their health care provider.
