Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is commonly known as an enlarged prostate. It’s an age-related condition in which the prostate gradually enlarges.

Understanding Prostate Enlargement.

An enlarged prostate is non-cancerous. However, in severe cases, it can cause bladder or kidney complications.

How BPH differs from Prostate Cancer?

BPH is a benign condition that causes urinary problems. Prostate cancer is abnormal prostate cell growth.

Why does the Prostate Enlarge with Age?

Age-related hormonal shifts, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, trigger prostate growth.

What Causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Age-Related Hormonal Changes.

Lower testosterone and higher estrogen promote prostate growth.

Family History and Genetic Factors.

Men with a close blood relative having BPH face up to 6 times higher risk.

Lifestyle and Metabolic Risk Factors.

Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet can significantly increase the risk of an enlarged prostate.

Can BPH be prevented?

No guarantee, but a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk and support prostate health.

Early Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

Frequent Urination, Especially at Night (Nocturia)

Waking up multiple times at night to urinate is a leading sign of BPH.

Weak or Interrupted Urine Stream

An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra, causing a weak urine flow.

Difficulty Starting Urination

Narrowing of the urethra can cause difficulty in starting urination.

Feeling That the Bladder Is Not Empty

Weak urine flow and difficulty urinating can make it feel like the bladder is not empty.

Urgency and Urinary Leakage

You may feel a sudden urge to urinate and loss of bladder control with age..

When Should You See a Urologist for BPH?

Warning Signs That Shouldn't Be Ignored.

• Frequent urination

• Weak or interrupted urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• Recurrent UTIs

• Blood in urine

Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention.

• Urinary retention

• Persistent lower abdominal pain

• Urinary symptoms accompanied by fever

• Blood clots in urine

Can Untreated BPH Damage the Bladder or Kidneys?

An untreated enlarged prostate can cause:

• Recurrent infections

• Bladder stones

• Hematuria

• Acute urinary retention

• Kidney failure in severe cases

How Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Is Diagnosed at NU Hospitals, Bangalore

Medical History and Symptom Assessment

Our urologists review your medical records and symptoms to plan accurate treatment.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

The doctor puts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to examine the prostate.

PSA Blood Test

It helps the doctor determine overall prostate health.

Ultrasound and Uroflowmetry

Ultrasound assesses the size of the prostate and the health of the bladder. Uroflowmetry helps assess the rate of flow of urine.

Post-Void Residual (PVR) Urine Test

It checks for urine left in the bladder after urinating.

Urodynamic Studies and Cystoscopy   (When Needed)

They assess bladder function, urinary obstruction, and other complex urinary problems.

Treatment Options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Lifestyle Changes for Mild BPH

• Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption

• Limit fluids before bedtime

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Stay physically active

Medications to Relieve Urinary Symptoms

• Alpha-blockers to relax prostate muscles

• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to shrink an enlarged prostate

• Combination therapy to relieve moderate-to-severe symptoms

Minimally Invasive Treatments for BPH

Minimally invasive BPH treatments reduce tissue damage, bleeding, and recovery time.

UroLift System

It lifts the prostate tissue without removing it, allowing for a quick recovery.

Laser Prostate Surgery (HoLEP)

• HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate): A holmium laser is used to cut out the enlarged prostate tissue.

TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)

It’s done without an incision to remove the tissue of the prostate.

Robotic Surgery for Complex Prostate Enlargement

Treats large or complex enlarged prostates by removing inner gland tissue.

Which BPH Treatment Is Right for You?

Factors That Influence Treatment Choice

The right enlarged prostate treatment depends on:

• Your age

• Symptom severity

• Prostate size

• Your lifestyle

• Your overall health

Comparing Medications, Laser Surgery and UroLift

 

Recovery Time After BPH Treatment

Recovery from BPH treatment varies by procedure.

You can resume normal activities in days with minimally invasive and laser treatments. HoLEP & TURP procedures take a few weeks to recover.

Can Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Be Prevented?

While BPH cannot always be prevented, healthy habits can significantly lower the risk of developing it.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

• Be physically active

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Hydrate yourself sufficiently

• Manage diabetes and hypertension

• Avoid smoking

Diet Tips for Prostate Health

• Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale

• Fruits such as pomegranate, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries

• Whole grains

• Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids

• Nuts & Seeds such as Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds

Cut back on processed food, full-fat dairy and red meat.

Importance of Regular Prostate Check-Ups

Regular screening helps identify benign prostate enlargement and other disorders early.

Why Choose NU Hospitals, Bangalore for BPH Treatment?

Experienced Urologists and Robotic Surgery Experts

Our specialists combine evidence-based practices with state-of-the-art surgical expertise to treat enlarged prostate.

Advanced Laser Prostate Surgery

Laser and other minimally invasive procedures ensure faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and reduce the risk of complications.

Personalized Treatment Plans

We tailor treatments to the patient’s age, symptoms, prostate size, and overall health.

Comprehensive Men's Health Care

We offer comprehensive care for urinary function, prostate conditions, and sexual health, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.