Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a health issues that becomes more common with age. It is also referred to as an enlarged prostate. For those who might not know, the prostate is a small gland that helps make semen. It is found just below the bladder, and it often gets bigger as you get older.

It is important to note that enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

You might wonder is having benign prostatic hyperplasia can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Well, research shows that having benign prostatic hyperplasia doesn’t increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. However, BPH and prostate cancer tend to carry similar symptoms. If you have benign prostatic hyperplasia, you may have undetected prostate cancer at the same time.

For you to detect prostate cancer in its early stages, you should consider getting a prostate screening every year between the ages of 55 and 69. Keep in mind you have an increased risk of getting prostate cancer if you’re Black or have a family history of prostate cancer. If you have an increased risk of prostate cancer, you should start getting prostate screening at age 40.

It always pays off to have an insight into the warning symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. When benign prostatic hyperplasia causes your prostate to grow, it can lead to blockage in your urethra. As a result, early symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include; slowness or dribbling when you pee, difficulty starting to pee, leaking, sudden need to pee, and the need to get up at night to pee.

So, what happens if you leave an enlarged prostate untreated? In most instances, untreated benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause further blockage in your urethra, and your symptoms may worsen. It may also lead to Urinary tract Infection (UTI), bladder stones, blood in your pee, and kidney damage.

In the event that your healthcare suspects you have benign prostatic hyperplasia, they may refer you to a urologist. A urologist is simply a doctor who specializes in treating conditions that affect your urinary system. Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, ask you a few questions and perform a physical examination. Part of the physical exam entails a digital rectal exam.