BPH: What is it and why is it concerning?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, more often referred to as BPH, is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as a man ages. It affects nearly 500 million men worldwide. More than 40% of men in their 50s and more than 70% of men in their 60s have BPH.1   Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a normal part of aging, is very common, and is not related to cancer of the prostate.  It can, however, greatly affect your quality of life.

First, let's emphasize the importance of your prostate.

Your prostate is a small reproductive gland about the size and shape of a walnut and is located just below the neck of the bladder. The main function of the prostate is to produce prostatic fluid, an alkaline liquid that forms part of semen and is secreted during ejaculation.

Your urethra drains the bladder and runs from below the bladder through the center of the prostate and through the penis to allow urine to flow out of the body.

And how does BPH cause urinary symptoms?

As you age, your prostate normally goes through two main periods of growth.  The first occurs early in puberty when the prostate doubles in size.  The second phase begins around age 25 and continues throughout most of your life.  Benign prostatic hyperplasia usually develops within that second growth phase where around 50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60 have BPH, and up to 90% of men over age 80 have BPH.

As the prostate enlarges, it presses against and can constrict your urethra.  The bladder wall becomes thicker, and eventually, the bladder may weaken and lose the ability to empty.  This narrowing of the urethra and the inability to empty the bladder cause the bothersome, and sometimes serious, lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. 2

How would you feel if your only choice was to live with the effects of BPH on your urinary health?

Fortunately, that isn’t necessary!  One of Dr. Paul Kenworthy’s specialties is the treatment of BPH and its symptoms.  He has spent years evaluating and using the most advanced and successful methods for the treatment of BPH.  You are only an appointment away from discussing your prostate health and choices for treating BPH.

Contact Dr. Kenworthy today to find relief from your BPH symptoms.