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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – What you need to Know

Posted On : Dec-01-2016 | seen (1440) times | Article Word Count : 478 |

The prostate gland is a small, round tissue that is located between the penis and the bladder. It adds fluid to the semen, which is a liquid that carries sperm.
The prostate gland is a small, round tissue that is located between the penis and the bladder. It adds fluid to the semen, which is a liquid that carries sperm. In some men, the prostate gland continues to grow seven times more than the original size, and this phenomenon is called as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that is found in older men and it doesn’t pose any serious threat to health. This is usually diagnosed with the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test when elevated PSA levels are observed.

Causes of BPH:

The exact cause of BPH in some men is unknown. It is commonly found in men aged 45 years or older, and is usually considered as a part of getting older. Some healthcare professionals do mention that elevated PSA and BPH are caused due to changes in hormone levels in some men as they get older.

Signs and Symptoms of BPH:

The symptoms of BPH are as follows:

1. Feeling that you need to urinate right away
2. Weak or interrupted stream of urine
3. Feeling that your bladder isn’t empty after urination
4. Delay when you start urination
5. Pain in the lower back, thighs or pelvis
6. Blood in urine

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis is usually done by focusing on the urinary symptoms. It includes a physical examination, which comprises of a digital rectal exam. There’s also a blood test, which is used to measure a protein secreted by prostate gland called prostate specific antigen (PSA). Elevated PSA levels, as stated earlier, can mean BPH.

Risk Factors:

Risk factors associated with prostate gland enlargement includes:

1. Aging: Prostate gland enlargement is usually found in some men aged over 40. Some of them might experience moderate to severe symptoms over the age of 60.

2. Blood Relation: If any blood relative, such as father or brother, has prostate problems, the risk can be high.

3. Ethnicity: Prostate enlargement is less likely to happen in Asian men than white or black men. Black men can possibly experience symptoms at a younger age than white men.

4. Diabetes & Heart Problems: According to studies, diabetes and heart problems as well as the use of beta blockers can increase the risk of prostate enlargement.

5. Lifestyle: Obesity can increase the chance of BPH, whereas exercising can lower the risk.

Treatment:

Surgeries are usually avoided in BPH and medication such as alpha blockers is provided to relax the bladder outlet and facilitate urination.

If your bladder feels full and painful or if are unable to urinate, consult your doctor immediately. If elevated PSA levels are found in tests, discuss the treatment options with your doctor and get proper medical care that is safe and effective for you.

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – What you need to Know_320314.aspx

Author Resource :
The author is a certified healthcare professional providing high quality treatments related to urology. He gives a detailed explanation about BPH and elevated PSA for readers. Visit http://www.kcurology.com

Keywords : elevated PSA,

Category : Health and Fitness : Health and Fitness

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