Patient/caregiver was instructed upon signs and symptoms of BPH as follows:
Prostate is a gland in males that surrounds the urethra and located between the urinary bladder and penis. For reasons unclear, prostate gland in some individuals can be enlarged. Hormonal disturbances in elderly males is considered to be an important factor contributing to the enlargement of prostate.
As prostate normally surrounds the urethra, enlargement of prostate presses onto and narrows/closes the urethra, which results in the following signs and symptoms –
- Lower abdominal discomfort: Backed-up urine can result in distention of bladder with discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Frequent urge and nocturia: Increased volumes of retained urine in the bladder can cause frequent urge to urinate, thus contributing to frequency. Increased frequency, especially during the night (nocturia) can lead to sleep disturbance and multiple restroom trips.
- Terminal dribbling: Inability to completely empty the bladder with backed-up urine and inability of the perineal muscles to close the urethra completely in BPH patients can lead to urine leakage and prolonged slow dribbling of urine at the end of urination.
- Increased risk for UTI: Backing-up of urine is a very favorable factor for bacterial growth, which results in increased risk for UTI.
