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Big Daddy Prostate
Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a common condition that affects many men as they get older. It's not cancer, but it causes the prostate gland to grow larger than usual. This can lead to problems with urination, like needing to go more often, especially at night.
What is BPH?
BPH is when the prostate becomes larger because of an increase in the number and size of the cells in a particular area of the prostate. This condition is common in men over 40 and becomes more likely as men continue to age. While it's usually not serious or life-threatening, it can affect a man's quality of life by interrupting daily activities and sleep due to urinary problems.
Who Gets BPH?
The chances of getting BPH go up as men age. For example, it's quite rare in men under 40 but very common in men over 80. Some other things that might increase the risk of BPH include obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking. Studies have also shown that Black and Hispanic men might be more likely to have BPH compared to White men.
How is BPH Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose BPH by asking questions about your medical history and symptoms and doing physical exams and tests. One important test measures PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels in the blood, as higher PSA levels might suggest BPH or prostate cancer.
Doctors also usually do a physical exam that includes checking the prostate. They might ask you to keep track of when and how much you urinate to better understand your symptoms. These evaluations help doctors decide how severe the condition is and what kind of treatment is best.
Symptoms and Evaluations
Some common symptoms of BPH include trouble starting to urinate, a weak urine stream, and feeling the need to urinate often, including at night. Doctors use questionnaires, like the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), to assess how much these symptoms are affecting you.
What Tests Might You Have?
Medical History and Physical Exam
A doctor will ask about your health and any surgeries or illnesses. They will also do a physical exam to check the prostate and look for other possible causes of symptoms.
Blood Tests
The PSA blood test can help diagnose BPH.
Urinalysis
A urine test can help rule out infections or other conditions.
Prostate Exam
A doctor will physically examine the prostate to check its size and shape.
BPH is a common condition in older men, and understanding its symptoms and diagnosis processes is crucial for effective management and treatment. If having urinary problems, don't hesitate to discuss them with a doctor, as early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition better and improve the quality of life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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By Mitchel Schwindt, M.D. | author | online courses | coaching | consulting
5
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Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a common condition that affects many men as they get older. It's not cancer, but it causes the prostate gland to grow larger than usual. This can lead to problems with urination, like needing to go more often, especially at night.
What is BPH?
BPH is when the prostate becomes larger because of an increase in the number and size of the cells in a particular area of the prostate. This condition is common in men over 40 and becomes more likely as men continue to age. While it's usually not serious or life-threatening, it can affect a man's quality of life by interrupting daily activities and sleep due to urinary problems.
Who Gets BPH?
The chances of getting BPH go up as men age. For example, it's quite rare in men under 40 but very common in men over 80. Some other things that might increase the risk of BPH include obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking. Studies have also shown that Black and Hispanic men might be more likely to have BPH compared to White men.
How is BPH Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose BPH by asking questions about your medical history and symptoms and doing physical exams and tests. One important test measures PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels in the blood, as higher PSA levels might suggest BPH or prostate cancer.
Doctors also usually do a physical exam that includes checking the prostate. They might ask you to keep track of when and how much you urinate to better understand your symptoms. These evaluations help doctors decide how severe the condition is and what kind of treatment is best.
Symptoms and Evaluations
Some common symptoms of BPH include trouble starting to urinate, a weak urine stream, and feeling the need to urinate often, including at night. Doctors use questionnaires, like the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), to assess how much these symptoms are affecting you.
What Tests Might You Have?
Medical History and Physical Exam
A doctor will ask about your health and any surgeries or illnesses. They will also do a physical exam to check the prostate and look for other possible causes of symptoms.
Blood Tests
The PSA blood test can help diagnose BPH.
Urinalysis
A urine test can help rule out infections or other conditions.
Prostate Exam
A doctor will physically examine the prostate to check its size and shape.
BPH is a common condition in older men, and understanding its symptoms and diagnosis processes is crucial for effective management and treatment. If having urinary problems, don't hesitate to discuss them with a doctor, as early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition better and improve the quality of life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.