The prostate, is a part of the male reproductive system, is about the same size and shape as a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum and surrounds the urethra, the tube-like structure that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis. The main function of the prostate is to produce ejaculatory fluid.

Some common problems related to Prostate are

-Prostatitis
-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH
-Prostate cancer

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate; usually begin in the fifth decade of life in men and which in many men may cause obstruction to urine flow.

Although the cause of BPH is poorly understood, the two major factors necessary for the onset of BPH in men are age and normal testicular function.

Since the prostate surrounds the urethra just below the bladder, its enlargement can result in symptoms that irritate or obstruct the bladder. A common symptom is the need to frequently empty the bladder, especially at night. Other symptoms include difficulty in starting the urine flow or dribbling after urination ends. Also, size and strength of the urine stream may decrease.   

Many men find that having to get up and go to the toilet at night is the most troublesome aspect of this condition, as it makes them tired during the day. Having to urinate frequently during the day, sometimes with a sense of urgency, can also be trying for patients, and can make traveling or attending events, such as the theatre or cinema, rather difficult. Incomplete emptying of the bladder can be progressive and eventually result in complete retention of urine. If this occurs a catheter (tube into the bladder) will be necessary as the bladder rapidly becomes over distended and painful.

No. It is possible to have both BPH and prostate cancer, having BPH does not increase your risk of having prostate cancer. However, because early symptoms of both conditions are similar, it is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms associated with a urinary condition.

8.Is BPH a rare condition?
No, it is a common condition, that can affect approximately 50 percent of men between the ages of 51 and 60 and up to 90 percent of men over the age of 80.

In order to help assess the severity of such symptoms, the American Urological Association (AUA) BPH Symptom Score Index was developed. The AUA diagnostic system includes a series of questions that target the frequency of the urinary systems identified above, and as a result, helps identify the severity of the BPH – ranging from mild to severe.

There are a number of diagnostic test procedures that can be used to confirm BPH. The tests vary from patient to patient, but the following are the most common:

Physical examination  

Digital rectal examination (DRE) 

Laboratories Studies

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test

Urinalysis

Urine Culture

Imaging techniques

Rectal Ultrasound

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

Cystoscopy

Urodynamic Testing

Watchful waiting: Is recommended as an important option for men who have mild symptoms and do not find them particularly bothersome.

Medical therapy: Today’s most common method for controlling moderate symptoms of BPH. Several medications are available to control moderate symptoms of BPH.

Minimally invasive treatment: Several minimally invasive therapies are available that allows the doctor to access the prostate through urethra and reduce the size of the prostate or decrease obstruction of the urethra.

Surgical treatment: Surgical intervention is necessary in patients in whom benign prostates obstruction causes renal insufficiency, urinary retention, recurrent UTIs, bladder calculi, hydronephrosis, or large postvoid residual volume.

Surgical options for such patients include transurethralresection of the prostate, transurethral laser prostatectomy ( which consists of resection, ablation, and vaporization), transurethral incision of the prostate, and open prostatectomy (usually when the prostate weight is >100 g).