Benign prostate hyperplasia begins through ...

...the formation of small nodules in the periurethal glands in the inner layers of the organ. This is known as hyperplasia. AT the same time there is also an enlargement of the glandular cells which is called hypertrophy. It can take a long period of time for these changes to slowly occur.

As the prostate tissue expands it will eventually begin to tighten around the urethra which will cause a partial or complete obstruction of urine flow from the bladder. When this occurs the detrusor muscles will hypertrophy to compensate for this increased resistance, somewhat mitigating the symptoms. Unfortunately this will cause decreased bladder compliance and bladder instability. It is at this time that the signs and symptoms of BPH begin to appear.

This includes a weak urinary stream, increased time to urinate, hesitancy, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and post urination dribbling. Irritation of the bladder and urethra can also occur which can lead to an increased urinating frequency, urgency, incontinence, nocturia, dysuria, and bladder pain.
If an enlarged prostate is not treated and reduced in size a multitude of complications can begin to develop. The bladder can stretch and distend as more and more urine begins to be retained inside it. This can result in out-pouchings of the bladder wall, often referred to as Diverticula. Any distension can cause a blockage of the ureters, causing a back up of urine and infection back into the kidneys, causing kidney infections.

Benign prostate hyperplasia is normally treated with a number of drugs which reduce the swelling and relieve the pressure on the urinary tract. While in and of itself it is not a normally life threatening condition, left untreated it can cause complications which may be. It is therefore important for all males to have regular prostate exams starting around the age of forty-five. If you have any of the symptoms of this disease it is also important to visit your doctor as soon as possible.