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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

LifeCare Dignostic

November 5, 2021

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called prostate enlargement, is a noncancerous increase in size of the prostate gland. It is a common condition as men get older. BPH is not the same as prostate cancer and does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

The prostate gland is located beneath the urinary bladder. The tube that transports urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra) passes through the center of the prostate. Most men have continued prostate growth throughout life. It is not entirely clear what causes the prostate to enlarge. However, it might be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as men grow older. Other risk factors include family history, obesity, type 2 diabetes and lack of exercise.

When the prostate enlarges, it begins to block urine flow, leading to uncomfortable urinary symptoms. The severity of symptoms in people who have prostate gland enlargement varies, but symptoms tend to gradually worsen over time. Common signs and symptoms of BPH include:
  • frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
  • difficulty starting urination
  • weak urine stream
  • dribbling at the end of urination
  • inability to completely empty the bladder 

The size of prostate gland does not necessarily determine the severity of symptoms. Some men with only slightly enlarged prostates can have significant symptoms, while others with very enlarged prostates can have only minor urinary symptoms. Some men with prostate enlargement develop complications, which include inability to urinate suddenly (urinary retention), urinary tract infections, bladder stones, bladder damage and chronic kidney problems. 

If you are having urinary problems, discuss them with your doctor. Even if you do not find urinary symptoms bothersome, it is important to identify or rule out any other possible causes. Untreated, urinary problems might lead to obstruction of the urinary tract. Your doctor can perform some investigations like digital rectal examination, urine analysis, blood (PSA) test, urodynamic study, ultrasound scan, cystoscopy, prostatic biopsy, etc. to aid in the diagnosis or exclude other conditions.

There are several effective treatments for prostate gland enlargement, including medications, minimally invasive therapies and surgery. To choose the best option, you and your doctor will consider your symptoms, the size of your prostate, other health conditions you might have and your preferences.

Speak to Datuk Professor Tan Hui Meng, Senior Consultant Urologist if you experience any symptoms. Early detection offers the best chance of cure by getting the right treatment at the right time.

Urologist Dr Tan

Dato Dr. Tan Hui Meng

拿督 陈惠敏 医生

Consultant Urologist

Specialty

Urology

Languages

Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese (Cantonese), Chinese (Mandarin), English

Qualification

MBBS (Mal) FRCS (Edin) FRCS (Glasg) FAMM (Urology)

License Number

MMC No.23761

Medical School

MBBS (Mal)

Membership & Associations

  • Chairman, Asia Pacific Council for Study of the Aging Male (ACSAM)
  • Secretary-General, Asia Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine (APSSM)
  • Vice President, Asian Society of Endourology
  • Executive Member, International Society for Study of the Aging Male (ISSAM)
  • Council Member, International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM)
  • Member, World Erectile Dysfunction Advisory Council
  • Member, Asian Erectile Dysfunction Advisory Council & Training
  • Committee Member, International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM)
  • Member, American Urological Association
  • Member, Endourology Society, USA
  • President, Malaysian Society of Andrology and Study of the Aging Male (MSASAM)
  • Chairman, Malaysian Erectile Dysfunction Advisory Council, and Training
  • Member, Prostate Health Council of Malaysia
  • Member, National Kidney Foundation
  • Life Member, Malaysian Medical Association

Associations

Life Member, Malaysian Medical Association

Clinic

Tuesday: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Urologist Dr Tan

Dato Dr. Tan Hui Meng

拿督 陈惠敏 医生

Consultant Urologist

Specialty

Urology

Languages

Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese (Cantonese), Chinese (Mandarin), English

Qualification

MBBS (Mal) FRCS (Edin) FRCS (Glasg) FAMM (Urology)

License Number

MMC No.23761

Medical School

MBBS (Mal)

Associations

Life Member, Malaysian Medical Association

Clinic

Tuesday: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

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