DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Urologic Condition

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

MODERATE

Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland common in aging men. Causes urinary symptoms including frequency, urgency, weak stream, and incomplete emptying. Very common, affecting about half of men over 50. Not related to prostate cancer.

Global Affected

42.0M

Countries

30

Symptoms

Frequent urination
Urgent need to urinate
Difficulty starting urination
Weak urine stream
Dribbling after urination
Incomplete bladder emptying
Nocturia (nighttime urination)
Urinary retention

Treatment Options

Watchful waiting
Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin)
5-alpha reductase inhibitors
Combination therapy
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Minimally invasive procedures
TURP surgery
Laser therapy
Prostate artery embolization

Risk Factors

1Age (over 50)
2Family history
3Obesity
4Lack of exercise
5Erectile dysfunction
6Heart disease
7Type 2 diabetes

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Digital rectal exam
  • 2PSA blood test
  • 3Urinalysis
  • 4Uroflowmetry
  • 5Post-void residual measurement
  • 6Ultrasound
  • 7Cystoscopy
  • 8Urodynamic studies

Prognosis

Excellent. Not life-threatening. Treatable and manageable. Quality of life can be significantly improved with treatment. May progress slowly. Regular monitoring recommended.

Prevention

  • Regular exercise
  • Healthy diet
  • Maintaining healthy weight
  • Regular prostate screening
  • Early treatment of urinary symptoms

Research Status

Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are mainstays. Minimally invasive procedures (TUNA, TUMT, PAE). Surgical options (TURP, laser). Research on new medications and improved surgical techniques ongoing.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoIndiaChinaRussiaSwedenNetherlandsNorwayFinlandDenmarkIrelandPolandCzech RepublicSlovakiaHungaryRomaniaPortugalGreeceTurkeySouth AfricaEgypt

Sources

  • https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.