BPH (Enlarged Prostate): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Advanced Treatments

BPH (Enlarged Prostate): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Advanced Treatments

Dr. Anurag Chatterjee — MBBS (HONS) | MS General Surgery | MCh Urology & Renal Transplant

Understanding BPH

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that affects many men above the age of 50. As the prostate enlarges, it begins to compress the urethra—the tube that carries urine—leading to difficulty in urination and various urinary symptoms.

Although BPH is not cancer, untreated enlargement can significantly affect quality of life and may lead to complications like urinary retention or bladder damage.

What Causes BPH?

• Natural aging and hormonal changes
• Genetic predisposition
• Family history of prostate enlargement
• Lifestyle factors and obesity

Symptoms of BPH

Symptoms vary based on the degree of enlargement. Common signs to watch out for include:

• Weak urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Sensation of incomplete emptying
• Urgency to urinate
• Dribbling after urination

When BPH Becomes Concerning

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Inability to pass urine (urinary retention)
• Blood in urine
• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Severe bladder discomfort

Diagnosis of BPH

Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and ensures effective treatment. A urologist may recommend:

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) to check prostate size
• PSA test to rule out prostate cancer
• Urine tests to identify infections
• Ultrasound to measure prostate enlargement
• Uroflowmetry to assess urine flow rate

Treatment Approaches for BPH

Modern medicine offers several effective treatments tailored to symptom severity, prostate size, and patient health. Two of the most advanced and widely used procedures are:

1. HOLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate)

HOLEP is a cutting-edge laser procedure that removes the obstructing prostate tissue using a holmium laser.

• Suitable for small to very large prostates
• Minimal bleeding
• Shorter catheter time
• Fast recovery and excellent results
• Long-term symptom relief

2. TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)

TURP is a gold-standard surgical method where excess prostate tissue is shaved off using an electrical loop.

• Best for moderate prostate enlargement
• Improves urine flow significantly
• Short hospital stay
• Proven long-term outcome

Lifestyle Modifications for BPH Patients

Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Recommended Modifications

• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Avoid drinking liquids close to bedtime
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly to improve bladder function
• Reduce spicy and acidic foods
• Practice bladder training exercises

Benefits of Lifestyle Management

These modifications help reduce urgency, improve urinary control, and slow the progression of symptoms.

Conclusion

BPH is a common condition but highly manageable with timely diagnosis and the right treatment approach. Advanced procedures like HOLEP and TURP offer excellent outcomes with minimal downtime. If you’re experiencing persistent urinary symptoms, consult a urologist early to prevent future complications.