Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – Enlarged Prostate

If your loved one is a man in his senior years, eventually he might suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia? BPH is a condition brought on by the growth of the prostate gland in men. As a man ages, the prostate, which is settled around the urethra under the bladder, grows in size and constricts the bladder. This constriction can lead to a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, stopping and starting while urination, frequent or urgent need to urinate, urinary tract infection, or formation of stones in the bladder.

If your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is a good idea for him to see a physician. Even if his symptoms haven't become a nuisance, it's important for his health care provider to rule out other causes for prostate enlargement, like prostate cancer, which can have similar symptoms. BPH can also cause the inability to urinate. If this happens, seek medical help immediately.

When you prepare to see your loved one's physician, put some thought into the information you wish to share. Create a journal of the times your loved one urinates and how much liquid he drinks during the day. Write down any of the symptoms he may be experiencing. Remember, you may only have a few minutes with your physician, so you want to get as much dialogue as possible. Prepare as many questions as possible and be prepared for questions from the doctor, too.

Your physician will likely perform a digital rectal exam. This exam will help to rule out prostate cancer as a source of your loved one's condition. He may also do a neurologic exam of your senior adult's mental status and nervous system, which can identify causes of urinary problems. There are other more specific tests he can run to rule out other causes.

BPH can be treated with medicine or surgery. Alpha blockers relax the bladder muscle; 5-alpha reductase inhibitors reduce the size of the prostate. A combination of the two may also be effective. If those don't work, surgery may be an option. A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a common procedure where a resectoscope is inserted into the urethra, and the prostate is partially removed–in the area around the urethra.

Finally, have your loved one take some of these steps to control the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Make sure that your loved one goes to the bathroom when he feels the urge. If the urge isn't enough, try to schedule times for him to go to the bathroom. Have your loved one stay active and warm, as well. Limit caffeinated beverages and all beverages in the evening.

Resource: the Mayo Clinic