For men over 50, a medical condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, can interfere with their ability to enjoy life.
BPH is usually caused by an enlarged prostate, which can lead to gradual loss of normal bladder function. That can mean frequent trips to the bathroom and the disruption of daily activities.
For some men, the need to go to the bathroom frequently can become so embarrassing that they stop participating in social activities they previously enjoyed. It can interfere with their sleep. It can be so bothersome that it interferes with their ability to concentrate.
BPH symptoms include: weak urinary flow; inability to empty the bladder; sudden urge to urinate; and the need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
Among men who leave BPH untreated, a small percentage may experience a complete inability to urinate and/or gradual bladder or kidney damage.
BPH affects half of men over age 50, and 90 percent of men over age 80, according to the American Urological Association. However, many men suffer in silence. They do not realize that there are ways to treat the condition.
Drugs called alpha-blockers are the most commonly prescribed treatment. They work by relaxing the prostate muscle to improve urine flow and bladder outlet obstruction. A noncancerous condition, BPH can be treated without surgery in almost all cases.
To help increase awareness about BPH and other prostate conditions, the Prostate Cancer Education Council is conducting the third annual Prostate Awareness & Cancer Education (PACE) Race, a 5K run/walk series, which will occur in several major cities across the country.
For information about the PACE race or if you would like to learn more about the condition, log on to www.pcaw.com. - NU |
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