If a patient is experiencing mild BPH symptoms, his doctor may recommend watchful waiting until symptoms get worse. If the symptoms seem to be getting worse, his doctor will prescribe him medications. The medications include α-blockers and 5-α reductase inhibitors. α-blockers can help relieve the symptoms while 5-α reductase inhibitors can help shrink the enlarged prostate gland. These medications can also cause different side effects. The most common side effects of α-blockers include dizziness, fatigue, and nasal congestion, which they typically occur within the first two weeks of treatment. On the other hand, 5-α reductase inhibitors are associated with reduced libido and sexual dysfunction. If symptoms do not improve with medications or complications occur, surgery to remove prostate tissue might be an option. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with the surgery for BPH, including commonly used minimally invasive procedures and state-of-the-art plasma vaporization of the prostate. Some medical complications such as lack of semen and semen backflow may occur.

Untreated BPH can lead to complications such as acute urinary retention (AUR). With AUR, a person suddenly cannot pass any urine even with a full bladder. It is a potentially life-threatening medical condition requiring immediate emergency treatment. Other complications of BPH include urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones or bladder infections, and kidney damage. They can be serious health threats.

People who are at an increased risk of developing BPH

According to statistics, about 80% of men aged 65 years have an enlarged prostate, and about 50-60% of these men have BPH symptoms. A study also shows there is a trend of these symptoms appearing at an earlier age in Hong Kong. In the past, BPH symptoms often started after age 55. However, it has recently shown that the age of symptom onset is between 40 to 50 years.

BPH seems to develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors and appears to be associated with aging and unhealthy eating habits. The risk of developing BPH seems to be higher for men who are in their middle or old age, with excessive body weight, having a blood relative with prostate problems, or eating high-fat diets. Men over the age of 50 should thus have an annual prostate check. If they are diagnosed with BPH, drugs may be prescribed. If necessary, they may need surgery to help relieve annoying LUTS such as frequent need to urinate, increased frequency of urination at night, dribbling at the end of urination, and difficulty starting urination.

The above information is provided by Dr. YIP Wai Chun, Andrew, a specialist in Urology.