As men get older their chances of having Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) increase with age starting around age 50. To give you an idea of how common it is, 50% of men over 50 will have BPH and the statistics only increase dramatically from there. BPH is an enlarged prostate gland. BPH is not cancer and is a condition that occurs naturally in aging men. Having BPH does not mean you have prostate cancer and is not an early stage of prostate cancer. Having BPH will usually cause your doctor to have your Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels checked though.

When the prostate gland is enlarged it puts pressure on the urethra which narrows the tube. This makes it hard for a man to urinate and can cause pain when trying. Narrowing of the urethra can lead to urinary tract infections. The bladder may not empty completely. This can lead to bladder stones and other issues. The most serious problem though is acute urinary retention when you cannot empty the bladder at all anymore. This is a serious condition which warrants emergency medical attention. If ignored not being able to empty the bladder could lead to uropathy which is a condition of renal failure.

The most common sign of BPH is an increase in urination frequency, urgency, and effort in a man. Like any abnormal change in someone body a physician should be sought out for explanation. Men should not be embarrassed to discuss these problems that are related to what some consider to be their manhood. Left unchecked without early intervention the problem can become more serious, especially if prostate cancer is present.

There is also a symptom test called the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire used for assessment of the condition. Diagnosis includes rectal examination, blood tests, and ultrasound. While a rectal exam sounds very embarrassing to a lot of men it will be a lot less embarrassing if symptoms are caught earlier on before stages of erectile dysfunction occur!

There are treatments available to help with the symptoms and even shrinkage of the prostate. Common sense remedies like drinking less before bed will help as well.