Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, refers to enlargement of the prostate gland. This gland is pa...
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, refers to enlargement of the prostate gland. This gland is part of a man's reproductive system and makes the fluid that nourishes and carries sperm. The prostate gland is located between the base of the bladder and the beginning of the penis. It surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the passageway for urine from the bladder out through the penis. BPH often begins after age 40. The enlarging prostate can put pressure on the urethra, and interfere with normal urination. Problems can include: * a weak stream of urine * trouble starting or maintaining the urine stream * leaking or dribbling urine * a feeling that the bladder is not empty * frequent or sudden need to urinate * blood in the urine * sudden inability to urinate If you have BPH, your doctor may prescribe medicine to stop the prostate from growing larger or to relax muscles in the bladder, urethra, and prostate. BPH is sometimes treated with surgery through the urethra or the lower abdomen to remove prostate tissue that is putting excess pressure on the urethra.
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