Common Urinary Symptoms* of BPH
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Frequent need for the toilet, day and night
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Weak, slow or intermittent streams
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Difficulty or delay in starting
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Feeling of unemptied bladder
BPH Affects Over 660 Million Men1,2
BPH is a very common condition and can hamper quality of life. It affects 40% of men in their 50s, and over 70% of men by their 60s.
* Not to be confused with symptoms of prostate cancer.
What Happens to the Prostate as Men Age?
As a normal part of ageing, your patients' prostate can start to become larger around the age of 40-50. This often leads to BPH.
How Can BPH Affect Patients?
As the prostate enlarges, it can block the urethra and cause serious complications3:
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Obstructed Urinary Tract
A narrowed tract can lead to an inability to urinate. They might require having a catheter inserted - or in severe cases, surgery - to drain the bladder.
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
An inability to fully empty the bladder increases the risk of infection. If it occurs frequently, they might require surgery to remove the damaged tissue.
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Bladder Stones and Damage
Bladder stones can lead to further obstruction, irritation, infection, and bleeding. The muscular wall of their bladder can also stretch and weaken over time.
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Kidney Damage
Pressure in the bladder can damage their kidneys over time. Infections from the bladder can also reach and infect their kidneys.
References
1.
Berry SJ, et al: The development of human benign prostatic hyperplasia with age. J Urol 1984; 132: 474.
2.
US Census Bureau international database worldwide population estimates for 2019
3.
Mayo Clinic, Patient Care & Health Information, Diseases & Conditions, Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Accessed 1 Dec 2021.