Benign prostatic hyperplasia. A review of diagnostic and treatment options

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland caused by histologic hyperplasia that produces an inward transmission of pressure on the urethra and an increased resistance to urine flow. The dominant risk factors for the disease are age and male gender. Weak urine stream and hesitancy are the cardinal obstructive features in BPH. Other signs and symptoms include inability to terminate micturition abruptly, sensation of incomplete emptying and occasionally, urinary retention. Many men with prostate enlargement can be successfully treated with lifestyle modification and medication. But if symptoms persist, with no significant improvement after 6 months of finasteride or 2 to 3 months of an alpha-1 blocker, consider a urology consultation. Several surgical options are available.