Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common, non‑cancerous enlargement of the prostate that affects many men as they age. Learn about its signs, how it is diagnosed, and the modern treatment options available at K K Hospital, Delhi.
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
BPH is a non‑malignant increase in the size of the prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra. The enlarged gland can compress the urethra, leading to urinary symptoms.
Common Symptoms
- Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night (nocturia)
- Weak or interrupted urinary stream
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Dribbling after urination
Risk Factors and Causes
The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, but several factors increase the risk:
- Age – prevalence rises sharply after 50 years
- Family history of prostate problems
- Hormonal changes, particularly increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
How is BPH Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis helps prevent complications. At K K Hospital, the diagnostic pathway includes:
- Medical history and symptom questionnaire (e.g., International Prostate Symptom Score)
- Physical examination, including digital rectal exam (DRE)
- Urine analysis to rule out infection
- Blood test for prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) to exclude cancer
- Ultrasound or transrectal ultrasound to assess prostate size
- Uroflowmetry to measure the speed of urine flow
Treatment Options
1. Lifestyle Modifications
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
- Reduce fluid consumption before bedtime
- Practice timed voiding and bladder training
2. Medications
- Alpha‑blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) – relax prostate muscles for easier urine flow
- 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) – shrink prostate size over months
- Combination therapy for better symptom control
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT)
- Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA)
- Prostatic urethral lift (Urolift)
4. Surgical Options
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – gold standard for moderate to severe cases
- Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)
- Open or robotic prostatectomy for very large prostates
Why Choose K K Hospital for BPH Management?
K K Hospital, Delhi, combines a dedicated Urology department with state‑of‑the‑art facilities. Our urologists have extensive experience in both medical and surgical management of BPH, ensuring personalized care from diagnosis to follow‑up.
When to Seek Medical Help?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, especially urinary retention, blood in urine, or recurrent urinary infections, book an appointment promptly. Early intervention can improve quality of life and prevent complications.