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What is the prostate?
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system, is about the same size and
shape as a walnut and weighs about an ounce. It is located below the bladder and in
front of the rectum, and surrounds the urethra, the tube-like structure that carries
urine from the bladder out through the penis. The main function of the prostate is to
produce ejaculatory fluid.
What is BPH?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as lower urinary tract symptoms
(LUTS), is a common urological condition caused by the non-cancerous enlargement
of the prostate gland in aging men. As the prostate enlarges, it can squeeze down
on the urethra. This can cause men to have trouble urinating leading to the
symptoms of BPH.
What are some of the risk factors for BPH?
Risk factors for developing BPH include increasing age and a family history of BPH.
What are some of the symptoms associated with BPH?
Since the prostate surrounds the urethra just below the bladder, its enlargement can
result in symptoms that irritate or obstruct the bladder. A common symptom is the
need to frequently empty the bladder, sometimes as often as every one to two hours,
especially at night. Other symptoms include the sensation that the bladder is not
empty, even after a man is done urinating, or that a man cannot postpone urination
once the urge to urinate arises. BPH can cause a weak urinary stream, dribbling of
urine, or the need to stop and start urinating several times when the bladder is
emptied. BPH can cause trouble in starting to urinate, often requiring a man to push
or strain in order to urinate. In extreme cases, a man might not be able to urinate at
all, which is an emergency that requires prompt attention.
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system, is about the same size and
shape as a walnut and weighs about an ounce. It is located below the bladder and in
front of the rectum, and surrounds the urethra, the tube-like structure that carries
urine from the bladder out through the penis. The main function of the prostate is to
produce ejaculatory fluid.
What is BPH?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as lower urinary tract symptoms
(LUTS), is a common urological condition caused by the non-cancerous enlargement
of the prostate gland in aging men. As the prostate enlarges, it can squeeze down
on the urethra. This can cause men to have trouble urinating leading to the
symptoms of BPH.
What are some of the risk factors for BPH?
Risk factors for developing BPH include increasing age and a family history of BPH.
What are some of the symptoms associated with BPH?
Since the prostate surrounds the urethra just below the bladder, its enlargement can
result in symptoms that irritate or obstruct the bladder. A common symptom is the
need to frequently empty the bladder, sometimes as often as every one to two hours,
especially at night. Other symptoms include the sensation that the bladder is not
empty, even after a man is done urinating, or that a man cannot postpone urination
once the urge to urinate arises. BPH can cause a weak urinary stream, dribbling of
urine, or the need to stop and start urinating several times when the bladder is
emptied. BPH can cause trouble in starting to urinate, often requiring a man to push
or strain in order to urinate. In extreme cases, a man might not be able to urinate at
all, which is an emergency that requires prompt attention.
| Alta Vista Urological Specialists 108 Legion Drive, Suite D Las Vegas, NM 87701 (505) 454-4000 fax: 505-454-4004 |
Find out your symptom score
Symptom score index helps
urologist determine the severity
of your symptoms. It also helps
gage you treatment response.
You can print this form out and
bring it to our office.
Symptom score index helps
urologist determine the severity
of your symptoms. It also helps
gage you treatment response.
You can print this form out and
bring it to our office.