Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), sometimes called an enlarged prostate, occurs when the prostate gland enlarges. As this happens the urethra which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body may become blocked or narrowed. This leads to BPH which is basically a decrease of urine output. Some men with this condition have no symptoms and in others symptoms are mild and require no treatment. However some cases can lead to more severe symptoms that require medication and sometimes surgery. Learning to recognize the symptoms can help you get treatment early and minimize the effects of this condition.
Initial Symptoms
Trouble urinating. According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common symptom of BPH is a gradual change in the ability to urinate and empty the bladder. This includes initial symptoms, such as trouble starting urination; a hesitant, interrupted or weak stream; having to strain to go; sudden and strong urges to urinate; leaking or dribbling after urination; and more frequent urination, especially at night.
Progresive Symptoms
Acute urinary retention may develop. In some cases, there may be no symptoms until you are unable to urinate at all and the attempt to urinate is painful. Acute urinary retention may be triggered by taking a decongestant called sympathomimetic, which is found in over the counter cold medications; alcohol; exposure to cold; or after a period of immobility.
Complications
If your BPH goes untreated, you may develop severe symptoms. This includes urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, painful urination, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence. In severe cases it can lead to complete kidney failure.
