BPH FAQ's

BPH becomes more prevalent with age, particularly in men over 50. Genetic factors, hormonal changes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and medical conditions such as diabetes can also contribute to an increased risk. While these factors play a role, any man can develop BPH, making regular medical evaluations essential for early detection and management.

Diagnosis of BPH typically involves reviewing medical history, conducting a physical examination, and assessing urinary symptoms. Additional tests may include a questionnaires to quantify the severity of symptoms, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and urine flow studies to confirm the condition and rule out other potential issues.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent BPH, adopting a healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk or lessen symptoms. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing weight, and moderating caffeine and alcohol intake.

Treatment for BPH varies depending on symptom severity and overall health. Options include lifestyle modifications, medications (such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors), minimally invasive procedures (like prostate artery embolization - PAE), and surgical interventions (such as transurethral resection of the prostate – TURP, laser enucleation or Aquablation).

BPH does not cause prostate cancer, but both conditions can coexist. Though they share similar symptoms, having BPH does not increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Measuring the PSA can be a goodscreening test for prostate cancer. Equivocal cases may need additional imaging with MRI or biopsy to rule out prostate cancer prior to treating BPH. This means that a thorough medical evaluation by an experienced physician is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

Yes, lifestyle adjustments can improve BPH symptoms. These include reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, avoiding excessive fluid intake before bedtime, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight.

While BPH is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact quality of life due to bothersome urinary symptoms. If left untreated, severe cases may lead to complications such as kidney injury, urinary tract infections or bladder stones.

If you experience noticeable urinary symptoms, such as increased urgency, frequency, or difficulty urinating, it’s important to consult a specialist healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment recommendations.