Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (also called BPH) is a condition that affects the prostate gland in men. The prostate is a gland found between the bladder and the urethra, and as a man ages, the prostate gland slowly grows bigger and enlarges. The term "benign" means that the enlargement isn't caused by cancer or infection.
The term "hyperplasia" means enlargement. Due to the position of the prostate, as it gets bigger it may put increasing pressure on the urethra. This may then cause a variety of problems in the urinary system, most of all causing the flow of urine to be slower and less forceful.
Gradually, in most cases, the symptoms of BPH start with the need to get up more often at night to urinate or the need to empty the bladder often during the day. A man may find he has difficulty in starting the urine flow, dribbling after urination ends, and the size and strength of the urine stream also decreases.
It is important to remember that urinary symptoms may be signs of more serious diseases, such as a bladder infection, urinary tract infection or bladder cancer. If you are concerned, it is always best to seek medical advice and a proper diagnosis. |