Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate gland enlargement, is a common condition that affects most men as they age. If you experience uncomfortable or concerning symptoms, the physicians at Tricounty Urology in Uniontown and Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, provide comprehensive, personalized care. Led by a team of fellowship-trained urology experts, including Sunil Rayan, MD, and Mukul Patil, MD, the practice offers some of the latest options for BPH treatment. To speak with a doctor about your BPH, call one of the offices or request an appointment online today.
BPH Q & A
What are the symptoms of BPH?
If you have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you may experience a variety of common symptoms, including:
The severity of your symptoms can vary and aren’t always related to the size of your prostate gland. Patients with a slightly enlarged prostate can experience symptoms more severe than those with significant prostate enlargement.
In many cases, the symptoms of BPH worsen over time. Severe BPH can lead to urinary tract infections, blood in your urine, and leave you unable to urinate. If left untreated, severe BPH can lead to bladder stones, urinary retention, and damage to your kidneys and bladder.
What causes BPH?
The most significant contributor to benign prostatic hyperplasia is age. By age 60, about one-third of men experience symptoms of BPH. Most men experience continued prostate growth throughout their life. In some men, this growth leads to uncomfortable symptoms and issues with the urinary tract.
Although the exact cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, experts believe age-related changes to sex hormones are a major factor.
In addition to age, an increased risk of BPH is linked to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and the use of beta-blockers. Having a family history of BPH also increases your risk.
When should I see a doctor?
It’s important to see a doctor if you experience uncomfortable symptoms or changes in your urinary functions. The symptoms of BPH are similar to a number of other urological conditions, like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, prostate inflammation, and prostate cancer, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. Although the symptoms of BPH can be similar to prostate cancer, BPH does not lead to prostate cancer.
The team of physicians at Tricounty Urology helps patients determine the underlying cause of their symptoms and the best treatment for effective relief. If the symptoms of your prostate enlargement are mild, your doctor may postpone treatment and monitor your condition over time. If your symptoms are concerning or severe, treatment for BPH may include:
In some cases, benign prostatic hyperplasia may require surgery for effective treatment. Tricounty Urology is equipped with experienced surgeons trained in the latest technologies and techniques.
To discuss your condition and find out which BPH treatment is right for you, call the Tricounty Urology office nearest you or book an appointment online today.