Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition quite common with age. Also known as enlarged prostate this condition seems to be giving a lot of people sleepless nights worldwide. In a nutshell, the prostate is a small gland that helps make semen. It is found just below the bladder, and it often gets bigger as you get older.
Enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. So, does having benign prostatic hyperplasia increase the risk of prostate cancer?
Well, research shows that having benign prostatic hyperplasia doesn’t increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. But BPH and prostate cancer tend to carry similar symptoms. If you have benign prostatic hyperplasia, you may have undetected prostate cancer at the same time.
Risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia are quite many. Actually, an enlarged prostate gland rarely causes symptoms before the age of 40. After that, the chance of having an enlarged prostate and related symptoms starts to rise.
Having a blood relative with prostate problems can also make you more likely to have problems with your prostate. Things are not that different for obese individuals. After all, obesity raises the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Partaking in exercises can help lower the risk.
You should have a clear insight into the warning symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Wilebenign prostatic hyperplasia causes your prostate to grow, it can lead to blockage in your urethra. As a result, early symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include; slowness or dribbling when you pee, difficulty starting to pee, leaking, sudden need to pee, and the need to get up at night to pee.
When should you seek treatment for an enlarged prostate untreated? In most instances, untreated benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause further blockage in your urethra, and your symptoms may worsen. It may also lead to Urinary tract Infection (UTI), bladder stones, blood in your pee, and kidney damage.
If your doctor suspects you have benign prostatic hyperplasia, they may refer you to a urologist. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in treating conditions that affect your urinary system. Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, ask you a few questions and perform a physical examination. Part of the physical exam entails a digital rectal exam.