Overview
Enlarged prostate , or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in older men, leading to urinary symptoms.
Symptoms
Frequent urination, especially at night Difficulty starting or stopping urination Weak urine stream Incomplete bladder emptying Urinary tract infections in severe cases
Causes
Age-related hormonal changes Family history of prostate enlargement Other underlying health conditions
Diagnosis
Digital rectal examination (DRE) Urinalysis and blood tests Ultrasound or imaging studies Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
Treatment
Lifestyle modifications (fluid management, diet, exercise) Medications such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors Minimally invasive procedures or surgery in severe cases
Complications
Urinary retention Kidney damage from chronic obstruction Recurrent infections
Prevention
Regular medical check-ups Healthy lifestyle to maintain urinary health