Understanding BPH: What Every Man Over 50 Needs to Know

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—also known as an enlarged prostate—is a common condition in men over 50, where the prostate gland swells and causes difficulties with urination. This non-cancerous growth can significantly impact one's quality of life but is manageable with proper treatment.

Many men may develop an enlarged prostate as they age. BPH affects around 50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60, and this number rises to 90% in men older than 80. While some men may not experience any symptoms, others with BPH may have symptoms that cause problems with daily living. 

As you age, recognizing and managing the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is vital for maintaining your quality of life. Early detection is key for effectively managing symptoms and preventing the disruption and inconvenience that BPH can bring to your life. From lifestyle changes to medical treatments and innovative procedures like prostate artery embolization, there are a range of options to treat this common problem.

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we’ve built a reputation of delivering high success rates on severe and complex vascular and interventional cases that need the most acute treatment. Our multidisciplinary team of providers and specialists leads the nation in cutting-edge techniques and procedures, and we’re often in the position of sharing our experience with peers. Our physicians, including Dr. Blake Parsons, are experts in treating conditions like BPH with highly effective, minimally invasive solutions that can improve your health and your quality of life.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a health condition that only affects men. The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urethra where it joins the bladder and plays a role in reproduction. As the majority of men age, their prostate begins to enlarge and presses against the urethra, causing various urinary symptoms, including:

• Frequent urination (during the day and night)
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream
• Urgency to urinate
• Inability to empty the bladder

It’s important to mention that, unlike prostate cancer, BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. BPH is not associated with prostate cancer and does not increase your risk of developing it, but the symptoms of the two can be similar.

BPH may be related, however, to increased blood pressure, coronary ischemic heart disease, and other cardiovascular conditions, so if you experience any of these symptoms it’s important to visit your health care provider.

8 Symptoms of BPH 

While benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) commonly affects older men, it’s important to note that not all men experience symptoms, and the severity of symptoms doesn’t necessarily correspond with the size of the prostate enlargement. Some men may have significantly enlarged prostates with minimal effects, while others could have less enlargement but experience more symptoms. Some men may not have any symptoms at all.

Here are eight symptoms and effects of BPH to watch for:

1. Frequent urination: Men may find they need to urinate more often than usual—eight or more times per day. This can interrupt daily activities and be a significant nuisance, as individuals may need to plan activities around access to bathrooms.
2. Difficulty starting urination: There might be a delay or struggle to begin urinating. This can cause distress and inconvenience, particularly in public restrooms. Men may also find they strain to start or continue urinating, needing to push to get the urine out.
3. Weak or intermittent urine stream: The stream may be less forceful or may stop and start several times during urination. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, and may also lead to a feeling of not having finished.
4. Urgency to urinate: This sudden, irresistible need to urinate can disrupt work and social life, often leading to anxiety in situations where a restroom isn’t readily accessible.
5. Inability to completely empty the bladder: Also known as urinary retention, this symptom involves being unable to completely empty the bladder when urinating. This can feel uncomfortable and lead to a persistent need to use the bathroom. Additionally, after finishing, there might be an annoying dribble or leakage, which can cause embarrassment and discomfort. 
6. Nocturia: Needing to urinate frequently at night is called nocturia. This condition involves waking up several times with the urge to urinate. This symptom disrupts sleep patterns and can greatly affect overall well-being and energy levels during the day.
7. Blood in the urine: Although less common, blood in the urine can occur and is a symptom that should always be checked by a healthcare provider.
8. Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Frequent UTIs can be a result of the bladder not emptying completely, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria. 

It’s important to understand these symptoms and recognize when it might be more than just a normal part of aging. If you experience any of the above symptoms, consult with an expert. At CardioVascular Health Clinic, our doctors can help diagnose and treat BPH before it causes more severe complications.

Risk Factors for Developing BPH

Several factors increase the risk of developing BPH. While some of these factors—like age and genetics—cannot be controlled, being aware of other contributing elements can help in managing your risk of developing BPH.

The primary risk factors associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include:

• Age: The likelihood of developing BPH increases as men age. It is most common in men over 50, with the risk increasing more as they grow older.
• Family History: Genetics play a significant role in BPH. Men with a family history of the condition, especially in close relatives like fathers or brothers, are four to six times more likely to need BPH surgery.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle have been linked to an increased risk of BPH. Men with abdominal obesity and a high waist circumference are particularly at risk. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can mitigate this risk.
• Diet: A Western diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy products and low in fruits and vegetables may increase your risk. To lower your risk, consider a diet with lean or plant-based proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in fish.
• Associated Health Conditions: Studies have shown that having certain conditions may raise your risk of developing BPH. These include diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal imbalances.

Regular checkups and screenings are vital for early detection, especially if you have multiple risk factors. Discussing your health history and risk factors with your healthcare provider can lead to early and more personalized interventions, greatly improving your quality of life.

Managing and Treating BPH

In order to manage BPH effectively, the first choice is often making healthy lifestyle changes and taking a proactive approach to your health. By making some adjustments to daily habits, some of the discomfort and inconvenience of BPH can be minimized. Some things to try include:

• Managing fluid intake to reduce the frequency of urination
• Restricting fluids before bedtime
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet low in caffeine and alcohol (which are mild diuretics)
• Engaging in regular physical activity to help maintain a healthy weight

In addition to lifestyle changes, there are medical treatments available for managing BPH symptoms. Medications, such as alpha-blockers, relax the muscles of the bladder and around the prostate to make urination easier. For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. The choice of treatment depends on how intense or disruptive your symptoms are, how enlarged the prostate is, and your overall health.

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): A Minimally Invasive Option

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive option for treating enlarged prostates. When lifestyle changes or other treatments have not helped reduce symptoms of BPH, PAE is a promising solution without invasive surgery. Traditional surgical procedures, while effective, have also often had unwanted sexual side effects and required a hospital stay with several weeks of recovery.

PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist, like CardioVascular Health Clinic physician Dr. Blake Parsons. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin and directed toward the prostate. Tiny particles are placed in the arteries to block the blood supply to the prostate. These particles reduce the blood flow which causes the prostate to shrink and relieves the symptoms associated with BPH.

PAE is a safe and effective treatment with fewer side effects and a quicker recovery time. It’s an excellent option for those looking to relieve the symptoms of BPH without surgery and minimal disruption to their daily lives.

Take Charge of Your Prostate Health with CardioVascular Health Clinic

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of BPH, reach out to the experts at CardioVascular Health Clinic. Our dedicated team of specialists will explore treatment options with you and create a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. With innovative procedures like PAE, you can now take control of your prostate health and take back your life without painful, uncomfortable procedures. Schedule an initial consultation today and stop living with the inconvenience of BPH.