Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Prostate Enlargement)

The cause of BPH is not well known.

• BHP can occur due to the build-up of the male hormone dihydroxytestosterone (DHT), which is a testosterone involved in the growth of the prostate. The cause of high levels of DHT is not yet understood.
• It is thought that the hormonal imbalance that occurs with increasing age can be responsible for this condition.
• Other hormonal changes include low levels of oestrogen (female hormone) and imbalance in other growth factors that control cell division and cell death.

Common symptoms of BPH include:

• Blood in the urine
• Greater pressure and straining needed to begin urinating
• Hesitant and interrupted urination
• Sensation that the bladder is not completely emptied after urination
• Sudden inability to urinate (acute retention of urine)
• Sudden urgent need to urinate
• Urinating more frequently, especially at night
• Urine leakage

Several treatments are available for BPH. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and suggest the most appropriate treatment, depending on your age, the severity of BPH, and your general health. The treatment options include:

• Drug treatment, which includes 2 broad categories of medication:
  1. Drugs that relax the prostate to reduce the blockage of the bladder opening
  2. Drugs that block the production of the male hormone (DHT) which is involved in prostate enlargement
• Laser vaporisation for patients with smaller prostate glands, whereby laser energy is delivered, through the urethra, to the prostate gland to destroy enlarged prostate tissues.
• Surgical treatment to remove the parts of the swollen prostate that are pressing against the urethra. Different surgical methods can be used:
  1. Open surgery is used when the prostate is too large
  2. Transurethral incision of the prostate
  3. Transurethral resection of the prostate
• Simply wait and observe if symptoms are less severe

• Bladder and urethra damage
• Bladder stones
• Kidney damage
• Kidney infections
• Urinary incontinence (loss of control)