[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a disease that affects men due to an abnormal enlargement of the prostate. The prostate is a gland the size of a walnut that is part of the male reproductive system, and it is located near the bladder and rectum, surrounding the urethra. As the prostate enlarges, it may squeeze or obstruct the urethra, which is a tube responsible for transporting urine and semen to be expelled from the body. The pressure to the bladder makes the walls of the organ thicker, weakening it and making it lose the ability to completely empty during urination.

BPH affects the great majority of men and it is faced as a normal part of the male aging process. Most of the patients do not experience symptoms of BPH during a long period of their lives, but men older than 40 are recommended to undergo a digital rectal exam as part of their routine medical examination. Care for BPH can range from watchful waiting, behavioral changes, medication, to non-invasive procedures or surgeries. But if left untreated, it can result in further complications, while there are also other diseases that can affect the prostate.

Further Diseases Developed as Consequence of BPH

The majority of men may live with BPH without experiencing any symptoms, and being followed by an urologist decreases the possibility of complications. However, if the disease is not treated and the symptoms ignored, BPH may result in acute or chronic urinary retention, an inability to empty the bladder completely. When acute, it is a complete incapacity to urinate that happens suddenly and lasts only a short time, being potentially life-threatening. In the case of chronic urinary retention, it is a long-lasting medical condition, as patients can urinate, but cannot completely empty all of the urine from the bladders.

Blood in urine is also a potential consequence caused by the compression of the urethra, which is usually accompanied by pain. Patients may also develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) that may affect the bladder or urethra and is related to the obstruction of normal urine flow. In addition, the entire urinary system needs to work under stress to properly expel urine, which can result in damage to the bladder and kidney, or in bladder stones. Despite being rare, kidney damage is particularly dangerous and may threat patients’ lives when it occurs.

Other Diseases of the Prostate Related to BPH

The prostate may suffer alterations due to aging, but also infection, inflammation or a tumor. In addition to BPH, the most common prostate diseases include prostatitis,  Acute bacterial prostatitis, a denomination to characterize microscopic inflammation of the tissue of the prostate gland, which can span to numerous clinical conditions. Chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome are the three most common types of prostatitis, which may be caused by a bacterial infection or inflammation.

Prostate cancer is also a common problem among American men, particularly men age 50 and older, African-American men, men with a history of prostate cancer in the family, and men who eat great amounts of high-fat food, few fruits and vegetables. Given the great range of conditions that may affect the prostate, patients should be aware of its health and seek a physician if they experience urinary symptoms like passing urine more during the day, having an urgent need to pass urine, having less urine flow, feeling burning when passing urine, or needing to get up many times during the night to pass urine.

Note: BPH News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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