12/05/2026
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH)
By Chipo James Mainda.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the condition of the male reproductive system in which there's abnormal non cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland characterized by compelling desire to pass urine immediately, straining to pass urine and feeling of incomplete urinary bladder emptying.
The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ located below the urinary bladder and encloses part of the urethra called prostatic urethra. Its functions include;
1. Secretion of prostatic fluid which contains zinc which has potent bactericidal properties.This is the reason why men do not usually suffer from urinary tract infections.
2. Prostatic fluid alkalinizes semen in the acidic environment of the va**na.
3. Increases s***m motility and fertility.
4. It helps maintain urine continence.
The actual cause for BPH is idiopathic however, imbalance between androgen and oestrogen play an important role in benign prostatic hyperplasia.This condition is normally part of the natural aging process that is why it can not be prevented but rather it can be treated.
Individuals who're sexually active with multiple sexual partners are also predisposed to have benign prostatic hyperplasia because of the overworking prostate gland to produce prostatic fluid.This may lead to abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland which will then block the urethra resulting in urine retention.The growth can either be cancerous or non cancerous.
Some of the characteristic features of BPH include, Intermittency, Urgency and Hesitancy. A cystoscopy and Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) Test may help to come up with the actual diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia needs to be treated only if symptoms are severe enough to bother the patient and affect his quality of life. Medications may include use of Alpha & Beta Blockers. If medication doesn't work then surgery may be indicated. Trans Urethral Resection Prostatectomy (TURP) is the "Gold standard of surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia."
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