Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patient evaluation and relief of obstructive symptoms

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common and highly manageable disorder that affects most men at some point after age 50. Although classic BPH symptoms mimic those of other genitourinary conditions, several straightforward tools are available to aid accurate diagnosis. For patients in whom the condition is identified early in its progression, prudent management includes periodic assessment of disease progression, pharmacotherapy, and phytotherapy. Some patients presenting with BPH may require or request surgical intervention and several minimally invasive procedures are available, although outcomes and complication rates vary for each.