Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, is one of the most common health conditions affecting men as they age. Although BPH is not prostate cancer and does not increase your risk of developing cancer, it can significantly affect your quality of life by causing bothersome urinary symptoms.

At DokterForYou, we help men understand prostate health and explore medically appropriate treatment options to improve comfort and daily life.

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder that surrounds the urethra—the tube that carries urine out of the body.

As men age, the cells within the prostate may begin to multiply, causing the gland to enlarge. This enlargement can place pressure on the urethra, making it more difficult for urine to flow normally.

BPH is extremely common in men over the age of 50 and is considered a normal part of the aging process.

What Causes BPH?

Although the exact cause is not fully understood, several factors increase the likelihood of developing BPH.

Age-Related Hormonal Changes

Changes in male hormones over time are believed to play a major role in prostate enlargement.

Genetics

Men with a family history of prostate problems may have a higher risk of developing BPH.

Other Risk Factors

Additional factors may include:

  • Increasing age

  • Hormonal changes

  • Testicular abnormalities

  • Family history of prostate disease

Common Symptoms of BPH

As the prostate enlarges, it may partially block the urethra, leading to urinary symptoms such as:

  • Slow or weak urine flow

  • Dribbling after urination

  • Difficulty starting urination

  • Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)

  • Sudden urge to urinate

  • Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty

  • Pain during urination

  • Pain after ejaculation

Possible Complications

Without appropriate treatment, BPH may lead to:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Bladder stones

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)

  • Urinary retention

  • Kidney damage caused by urine backing up into the kidneys

Early diagnosis and treatment may help reduce the risk of these complications.

How Is BPH Diagnosed?

Doctors may recommend several tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess symptom severity.

These may include:

  • Medical history review

  • Physical examination

  • Urinalysis

  • Urodynamic testing

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test

  • Post-void residual urine measurement

  • Cystoscopy

Lifestyle Changes That May Help

For men with mild symptoms, simple lifestyle adjustments may improve urinary function.

Healthy Habits

  • Urinate as soon as you feel the urge

  • Schedule regular bathroom visits

  • Reduce evening fluid intake if advised

  • Exercise regularly

  • Reduce stress levels

Foods That May Support Prostate Health

A balanced diet may help support overall prostate health.

Examples include:

  • Green leafy vegetables

  • Tomatoes

  • Bell peppers

  • Avocados

  • Salmon

  • Sesame seeds

  • Nuts

  • Turmeric

Herbal Supplements

Some men choose herbal supplements such as:

  • Beta-sitosterol

  • Pygeum africanum

  • Flaxseed

  • Pumpkin seed oil

The effectiveness of these supplements may vary, so professional medical advice is recommended before use.

Medications for BPH

When lifestyle changes are not enough, doctors may recommend medication.

Tamsulosin

Tamsulosin works by relaxing the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, making urination easier.

Examples include:

  • Omnic Ocas® 0.4 mg

  • Tamsulosin MR

Possible Side Effects

  • Dizziness

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Ejaculation disorders

Finasteride

Finasteride lowers levels of DHT, a hormone involved in prostate enlargement, helping reduce prostate size over time.

Examples include:

  • Proscar® 5 mg

  • Finasteride tablets

Possible Side Effects

  • Reduced libido

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Ejaculation disorders

Dutasteride

Dutasteride blocks two enzymes involved in DHT production and gradually shrinks the prostate.

Examples include:

  • Avodart® 0.5 mg

  • Dutasteride capsules

Possible Side Effects

  • Reduced libido

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Ejaculation disorders

Surgical Treatment Options

If symptoms become severe or medication is ineffective, surgery may be considered.

Procedures include:

  • Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

  • Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP)

  • GreenLight™ Laser Therapy

  • Aquablation®

  • Prostatic Urethral Lift

  • Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy

Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate option based on symptom severity and prostate size.

Important Information

DokterForYou does not sell medication.

The treatments mentioned above are examples of therapies that doctors may consider depending on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and overall health.

Final Thoughts

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a very common condition that affects millions of men worldwide. Although it is not cancer, untreated BPH can significantly affect daily life and may lead to serious urinary complications.

Fortunately, lifestyle changes, medication, and modern minimally invasive treatments can successfully improve symptoms and quality of life.

At DokterForYou, our doctors can assess your symptoms, recommend appropriate investigations, and help you choose the treatment that best suits your individual needs.

👉 Start your consultation today and take the first step toward better prostate health.