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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
What is BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)?
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) develops when changing hormones levels cause the prostate to grow larger. This often begins around the age of 50. Excess tissue can block the urethra making it harder for urine to flow. The enlarged prostate can also press on the bladder, so you may need to urinate more often. Other symptoms include straining during urination, a weak stream, and feeling that the bladder isn’t emptying all the way. (BPH is not cancer and does not lead to cancer.)
How does BPH affect the Bladder?
Pushing to urinate through a narrowed urethra can cause the bladder walls to thicken or stretch out of shape. A stretched bladder may have problems emptying all the way. If the bladder doesn’t empty, infections or bladder stones may occur. Also, the kidneys can’t drain properly into the bladder that doesn’t empty completely. If not treated, this can lead to kidney failure.
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