BPH
Learn more about BPH.
Taking a Look at BPH
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – an enlarged prostate – is a common condition for older men. According to the American Urological Association, more than half of men have an enlarged prostate by the time they’re 60 years old. About 90 percent will have BPH by age 85.
Overview - BPH
If you’re a man past middle age, there’s a good chance that you have or may develop a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This noncancerous condition affects about 40% of men in their 50s, 60% of men in their 60s, and more than 80% of men in their 80s.
Conditions - BPH
The prostate gland is unique to men. It’s responsible for secreting the major portion of ejaculatory fluid. Seated directly below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the prostate continues to grow throughout life.
Diagnosing BPH
Your doctor will probably start by taking a thorough medical history, which will include asking how much fluid you normally drink in a day and what medications you’re currently taking. (Some drugs—such as certain bronchodilators, decongestants, and appetite suppressants—may bring on urinary symptoms.)
Treating BPH
Among medical therapies used to treat BPH, alpha-adrenergic blockers tend to be used most. There are 4 alpha blocker drugs used to treat BPH: Cardura, Flomax, Hytrin, and Uroxatral.
