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What is BPH?
When a man reaches the age of 25, his prostate begins to grow. This natural growth is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is the most common cause of an enlarged prostate.
BPH is a benign condition that does not lead to prostate cancer, although the two problems can coexist.
Although 50% to 60% of men with BPH never develop symptoms, others find that BPH can make day-to-day life difficult.
BPH symptoms include:
- Weak urine.
- Interruption.
- Sense of urgency.
- Leaks and drips.
- Incomplete emptying sensation.
- Frequent urination, especially at night.
The good news is that treatments are constantly being improved. Patients and their doctors now have more medications to choose from, so if one isn’t working properly, another can be prescribed. And thanks to technological advances, surgical treatments are more effective and have fewer side effects.
Tips to relieve BPH symptoms:
- Reduce stress by exercising regularly and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation.
- Take your time to completely empty your bladder when going to the bathroom.
- Avoid drinking liquids at night, especially caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Both can affect the bladder’s muscle tone and stimulate the kidneys to produce urine, leading to nighttime urination.
When symptoms are not particularly bothersome, regular monitoring is necessary to ensure that there are no complications.
For the most concerning symptoms, most doctors start by recommending a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. This will often be enough to relieve the worst symptoms and prevent the need for surgery.
At ABC Medical Center’s Department of Preventive Medicine, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
