BPH Specialist in Nashville, TN
As men age it is inevitable that their prostate begins to grow. In fact, more than 27 million American men over the age of 50 currently suffer from an enlarged prostate. This can cause a number of frustrating and uncomfortable urinary symptoms. The urologic surgeons at Nashville Men's Health are highly trained in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate. For help managing the symptoms of BPH, please call 615-250-9370 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation at our men's health clinic in Nashville, TN.
What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older. BPH is a very common condition that affects over 42 million men in the US1 and over 660 million aging men worldwide.2.3 Over 40% of men in their 50s and over 70% of men in their 60s have BPH.2 While BPH is a benign condition and unrelated to prostate cancer, it can greatly affect a man’s quality of life.
As the prostate enlarges, it presses on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms. If left untreated, BPH can lead to permanent bladder damage.4
Symptoms include:5,6
- Frequent need to urinate both day and night
- Weak or slow urinary stream
- A sense that you cannot completely empty your bladder
- Difficulty or delay in starting urination
- Urgent feeling of needing to urinate
- A urinary stream that stops and starts
Symptoms of BPH can cause loss of productivity, depression, and decreased quality of life.7
If you suffer from the above symptoms, you are not alone. BPH is the leading reason men visit a urologist.8
You can measure the severity of your BPH symptoms by taking the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire. Sharing this information with your physician will help them understand the severity of your symptoms.
Even watchful waiting has its risks. Bladder outlet obstruction could result in irreversible bladder damage if left untreated4
References
- NeoTract US Market Model estimates for 2020, data on file.
- Berry, et al., Journal of Urology 1984
- US Census Bureau international database worldwide population estimates for 2020
- Tubaro, Drugs Aging 2003
- Rosenberg, Int J Clin Pract 2007
- Vuichoud, Can J Urol 2015
- Speakman, BJUI International 2014
- IMS Health NDTI Urology Specialty Profile Report 2013
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What Causes BPH?
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.
Who Is at Risk for BPH?
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.
How is BPH Diagnosed?
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 our urologists regarding 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.
Do I Have to Undergo Treatment for BPH?
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. Our urologist will typically suggest more frequent checkups at Nashville Men's Health 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.
Schedule a Consultation with a BPH Specialist in Nashville, TN
If the urologic surgeons at Nashville Men's Health determine your prostate is enlarged after reviewing the results of your digital rectal exam, you can discuss the treatment options available at our mens health clinics throughout Nashville. To schedule a consultation, please call 615-250-9395 or request an appointment through our secure online form.