BPH

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

As the name implies, BPH is the benign enlargement of the prostate that occurs as men age. It is a common process that can lead to bladder outlet obstruction and slowing down of the urine flow. Symptoms can range from a slight increase in the frequency of daytime and/or night time urination, difficult and slow urination, or to the complete inability to urinate, (urinary retention).

This is a slow process that begins in the forties and progresses over time. Some men never develop any significant symptoms, while others begin to experience worsening frequency, urgency and nocturia starting in their 40s and 50s. A good tool for the evaluation of BPH symptoms is the IPSS Questionnaire. (you can dowload it, fill it out).

The development of BPH occurs in the same age group as Prostate Cancer, and it can present with similar symptoms. Because of this, it is important that you have a yearly PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test and DRE (Digital Rectal Exam). The DRE will help your urologist asses the size of the prostate and rule out worrisome signs, such as a nodule(s) or asymmetry. The yearly PSA is equally important ,as it can alert your urologist to the possibility of cancer before the PSA reaches the 4.0 cutoff point, or, if it jumps 0.75 within a year. If there is a (+) family history of prostate cancer in your family, it is recommended that you do a yearly screening starting a decade earlier , that is at age 40.

Treament options:

Medications:

Alpha Blockers:

* Brand Name Prescription Urology Medications: Flomax , Uroxatral, Rapaflo
* Generic Prescription Urology Medications: Terazosin, Doxazosin o 5ARI
* Brand: Avodart
* Generics: Finasteride

Procedures:

* TURP
* GreenLight Laser
* Microwave Therapy