Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common, non-cancerous urological condition caused by the enlargement of the prostate gland in aging men. BPH results in urination problems.
It affects 50 percent of men in their 60s, and 90 percent of men in their 70s and 80s. Urologic surgeons at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) treat thousands of men each year who have BPH or enlarged prostates.
Factors that contribute to an increased risk for BPH include:
Men with BPH may experience the following symptoms:
Diagnosing BPH in its earlier stages can lower the risk of developing complications. Delay can lead to: incontinence, kidney damage, bladder damage, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and the inability to pass urine at all. Your BWH urologist may complete the following diagnostic tests:
Visit us if you are experiencing bothersome symptoms with urination. Our urologic surgeons will talk with you about the best course of treatment to reduce urinary frequency and urinary urgency. Treatment may include:
Watch video case study of a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.
You will receive a thorough diagnostic examination and receive clinically-proven treatment by a board-certified urologic surgeon who specializes in BPH. Appointments are confidential and private.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital practices a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, collaborating with colleagues in other medical specialties. If your urologist discovers that an underlying illness has contributed to your BPH, you will be referred to an appropriate BWH physician for an evaluation.
Go to our online health library to learn more about urology diseases and tests.
Visit the Kessler Health Education Library in the Bretholtz Center for Patients and Families to access computers and knowledgeable staff.
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