The topic Benign Prostate Enlargement (BPE) you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Quick Summary:

• The prostate is a male reproductive gland whose main function is to produce fluid, to carry the sperms during ejaculation. This gland is located adjacent to the urethra, the tube that helps drain urine out of the body
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), sometimes called Enlarged Prostate, occurs when the prostate gland is swollen, with a resultant increase in its size. It is a relatively common condition in men over 50 years of age
• The symptoms of an enlarged prostate most often occur owing to the swollen gland pressing the urethra. This may result in frequent urination (including at night), urgency to urinate, pain during urination, incontinence, and changes in the color or smell of urine
• Advancing age, obesity, lack of physical activity, certain medical conditions, and abnormalities in testicular function, may increase the risk for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in men. Additionally, if there is a family history of the condition, the probability of being diagnosed with BPH is higher
• The exact cause of development of Benign Enlargement of Prostate is not known. However, scientists have put forward 2 theories for the development of this condition:
  • The testosterone levels decrease as a function of age, with a resultant higher estrogen-testosterone ratio. The relative increase in estrogen levels promote growth of cells in the prostate gland, leading to its enlargement
  • Although, the testosterone levels decrease with age, another male sex hormone, known as dihydrotestosterone, continues to accumulate in the prostate, promoting ongoing growth of the prostate gland
• The diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is made by a physical and rectal examination, symptom assessment, urine tests and culture for infection, blood tests to rule out prostate cancer, and other tests to evaluate urine flow and retention
• Several complications can arise from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, including urinary tract infection, development of urinary bladder stones, as well as bladder and kidney damage
• The treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is determined by the severity of the condition. Some of the treatment options include bringing about lifestyle changes, use of medications to relax the muscles (prostate gland bladder) and block dihydrotestosterone synthesis, minimally-invasive procedures to widen the urethra, and surgery to remove enlarged tissue from the prostate gland
• Presently, no guidelines or methods are available for the prevention of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. However, getting educated about the condition may help one in recognizing the symptoms and seek medical attention during the early stages itself, which can help avoid complications
• The prognosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia varies between individuals, and is dictated by the individual’s age, severity, development of complications, and response to treatment. In most cases, the affected men find relief from symptoms following treatment by a medical professional

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