Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia FAQs
Get Answers to Common Questions about an Enlarged Prostate from the Specialists at Denver BPH
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, abbreviated as BPH, is a condition that affects many men and the size of their prostates. Men with an enlarged prostate are at risk for a number of concerning and frustrating symptoms, including difficulty while urinating, pain when urinating, or even accidental leakages of urine (urinary incontinence).
Fortunately, the BPH specialists at Denver BPH each possess extensive experience in diagnosing and treating BPH. During this process, many patients ask similar questions related to BPH, its symptoms, and methods commonly used to treat the condition, which is why our experts would like to offer some of their professional insights and answers.
If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call our office in Denver, CO at (303) 805-7477 today!
It is not perfectly clear as to what leads the prostate to grow larger and larger during a man’s life. Significant growth during puberty is expected and completely normal, though research shows that the prostate again begins slowly increasing in size from age 25 and continues throughout the man’s life.
Since gradual prostate growth is consistent among a large majority of men, it is extremely common for this condition to be diagnosed in those of an older age. Statistically speaking, BPH affects:
20% of men over 50
60% of men over 60
70% of men over 70
90% of men over 80
In addition to age, other risk factors include having a family history of BPH, being obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle that does not include regular exercise, having type 2 diabetes, and experiencing erectile dysfunction.
Men typically have the health of their prostate evaluated during yearly physical examinations with their physician. This simple screening is often able to detect superficial abnormalities of the prostate, such as unusually large sizing.
Patients who schedule a consultation with Denver BPH will begin by thoroughly discussing their symptoms, personal medical history, and family medical history. A physical evaluation is often performed as well, and additional diagnostic tests may be ordered to analyze the functionality of the patient’s urinary system.
Not necessarily. Some patients may elect to hold off on treating their enlarged prostate and instead choose to monitor the progression of their symptoms over time. Your BPH specialist will typically suggest more frequent checkups to regularly assess the health of the prostate and determine if the patient’s BPH is worsening.
While men can choose to avoid treating their BPH, it is highly encouraged to speak with a specialist about treatment options if symptoms caused by the condition are negatively affecting daily tasks and activities.
Most patients will not experience severe complications caused by an enlarged prostate. However, it is entirely possible for BPH to lead to daily dysfunctions in a man’s life as he struggles to manage worsening symptoms, or for this condition to lead to significant damage to the kidneys, urinary tract, or bladder.
No. Because BPH is a benign condition, its symptoms have absolutely nothing to do with cancerous cell growth of the prostate.
Schedule a Consultation for PAE in Denver, CO
If you have any questions about PAE, contact Denver BPH to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms with our specialists. To schedule an appointment, call our BPH clinic near Denver, CO at (303) 805-7477 today.