What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It is very common in men over the age of 50 and can cause problems with urination. Although not life-threatening, BPH can significantly impact daily life if left untreated.
Symptoms
Symptoms of BPH can vary from mild to severe and may include: frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream, feeling that the bladder is not completely empty, and nocturia (waking at night to urinate).
What Causes BPH?
The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, but hormonal changes associated with aging — particularly an increase in DHT (dihydrotestosterone) — are thought to play a key role.
Treatment Options
Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and medication (alpha-blockers like Tamsulosin, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors) to minimally invasive procedures (TURP, HoLEP) for moderate-to-severe cases.