Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate)
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
Also known as “enlarged prostate,” BPH is a condition experienced by half of all men between 51 and 60 years of age, and more than 90% of men older than 80. It is caused by the growth of their prostate gland, which can put pressure on the bladder and urethra and block urine flow.
Left untreated, the symptoms of BPH will usually worsen and can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder stones, kidney damage, urinary retention (the inability to urinate) and bladder damage.
Diagnosing BPH
BPH can be diagnosed with a digital rectal exam performed by your doctor during a checkup. Other tests used to diagnose the condition include a urine flow study, PSA test, cystoscopy, ultrasound or prostate MRI.