Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — also called prostate gland enlargement — is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

How is BPH treated in elderly?

The gold standard for the management of BPH is surgical treatment by transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). However, in older adults, medical therapy is preferred to surgical intervention when possible.

Is BPH a serious condition?

BPH, the acronym for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (or sometimes, hypertrophy), is an enlarged prostate gland, and is not typically a serious problem, nor on its own a life-threatening condition. And, to clear up a common misconception, BPH is not cancer, nor does it cause prostate cancer.

How does BPH cause aging?

There is a significant tissue remodeling process occurring in aging which takes place in the transition zone, in which there is increase in prostatic volume due to imbalance of interacting growth factor signaling pathway and the stromal-epithelial interaction.

What happens if BPH is left untreated?

First, although it has nothing to do with cancer, untreated BPH has the potential to lead to serious complications, ranging from urinary tract infections and stones in the bladder or kidney to urinary retention and kidney damage.

What will a urologist do for enlarged prostate?

The urologist can remove all or part of the prostate through the incision. This surgery is used most often when the prostate is greatly enlarged, complications occur, or the bladder is damaged and needs repair.

What is the main cause of prostate enlargement?

The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but it’s believed to be linked to hormonal changes as a man gets older. The balance of hormones in your body changes as you get older and this may cause your prostate gland to grow.

Is BPH curable?

Although there is no cure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate, there are many useful options for treating the problem. Treatments focus on prostate growth, which is the cause of BPH symptoms. Once prostate growth starts, it often continues unless medical therapy is started.

Does BPH go away?

Because BPH cannot be cured, the treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms. The treatment is based on how severe the symptoms are, how much they bother the patient and whether there are complications. The more irritating the symptoms are, the more aggressive treatment should be.

Can BPH lead to death?

In the case of BPH, the prostate can eventually become large enough that it partially or completely blocks the urethra, leading to inability to urinate, urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney damage, and if left completely untreated, ultimately to death.

Does an enlarged prostate affect bowel movements?

Urethral discharge. Pain and/or pressure in the rectum. Painful defecation (painful bowel movements) Discomfort and/or pain in the genitals, groin, lower back and/or lower abdomen. 5

What are the first signs of prostate problems?

Symptoms of Prostate Problems

• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Need to get up many times during the night to urinate.
• Blood in urine or semen.
• Pain or burning urination.
• Painful ejaculation.
• Frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal area, or upper thighs.
• Dribbling of urine.

Is banana good for BPH?

Our study found that treatment with banana flower extract markedly inhibited BPH -1 cell proliferation through arrest at the G₁ phase. Moreover, treatment with banana flower extract significantly inhibited PGE₂ production through inhibition of COX2 expression.

Can BPH get better on its own?

Your Quality of Life With an Enlarged Prostate If your enlarged prostate symptoms are mild and not bothersome, there’s likely no need for treatment. One-third of men with mild BPH find that their symptoms clear up without treatment.

What is the best thing to drink for your prostate?

Drink tea. Both green tea and hibiscus tea are among the top drinks for prostate health. Both types of tea contain potent antioxidants. Studies show that green tea can help prevent prostate cancer from forming and may also slow the growth of aggressive prostate cancer.

Can you live with BPH?

BPH might be life-disrupting, but with the right care and the correct approach to fluids, it’s possible for most men to minimize their symptoms and live comfortably with an enlarged prostate.