BPH : Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

As men age the prostate will often enlarge. This is a natural part of the life of the prostate but can lead to difficulty in urination. The enlargement of the prostate is a natural part of aging in males. The prostate gland has two periods of growth. The first period of growth occurs during early puberty where the prostate will double in size. The second growth begins at around 25 and keeps growing. If this growth continues it will often lead to BPH in mature adult males.

The enlargement of the prostate is called BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Some of the symptoms that present with this enlargement of the prostate if you have BPH can mimic prostate cancer.

The main symptoms of BPH are:

• a hesitant, interrupted, weak stream
  
• urgency and leaking or dribbling
  
• more frequent urination, especially at night

If the symptoms of BPH persist it can be treated with medication or surgery that removes part of the prostate. The surgical procedure that is often done to reduce the symptoms of BPH is called a TURP or Transurethral Resection of the Prostate. To remove the part of the prostate around the urethra a special tool is inserted through the urethra a removes the tissue of the prostate that is pressing against the urethra which will free the flow of urine and relieve the symptoms.

 

Prostatitis

Another condition that can effect the prostate is inflammation of the prostate which is called prostatitis. Prostatitis is often cause by an infection and can be treated with antibiotics, prostate massage or surgery.

The main warning signs and symptoms of prostatitis are:

• pain upon urination
• pain in the back or rectum
• frequent urination
• urgency of urination
• painful ejaculation

If prostatis is suspected a urinalysis will be done to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, microsorganism and nitrate positivity.   If these are found usually antibiotics will be given if infection is found to be the cause of the inflammation.  Ciprofloxacin is the most common antibiotic used in the treatment of infections to the prostate.