Last Updated on March 25, 2025 by Analgesia team
BPH Medical Abbreviation
BPH is the medical abbreviation for benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous condition that causes the prostate to enlarge. It’s also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or an enlarged prostate.
Explanation
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What is BPH?Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition that occurs when the prostate gland grows larger than normal. This growth is caused by an overgrowth of cells in the prostate.
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What are the symptoms of BPH?
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- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Weak urine stream
- Leaking or dribbling of urine
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Not being able to fully empty the bladder
Who is affected?
BPH is most common in men over the age of 50, but it can affect younger men too.
Treatment for BPH?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can be treated with medications, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery. The best treatment option depends on your symptoms, age, prostate size, and tolerance for side effects.
Medications
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: A type of medication used to treat Benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Alpha-adrenergic blockers: A type of medication used to treat BPH
- Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: A type of medication used to treat Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Combined therapy: A combination of an alpha blocker and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that may be more effective than either drug alone
Minimally invasive procedures
- GreenLight laser therapy: A procedure that uses a laser to vaporize prostate tissue that’s blocking the bladder outlet
- Transurethral water vapor therapy: A procedure that uses steam to shrink the prostate
Surgery
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): A procedure that removes part of the prostate using a resectoscope
- Prostatic urethral lift (PUL): A procedure that inserts implants to hold the prostate away from the urethra
- Robotic prostatectomy: A surgical option for BPH
BPH is also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic obstruction