Why Do Some Men Develop Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

The prostate gland in young men normally doubles in size by puberty, then remains stable until about age twenty five where it begins to grow again. By the age of fifty, it has increased in size again, yet causes no problems unless urine flow becomes restricted. In this situation, a thorough exam may reveal a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia. Symptoms of this disorder are, frequent trips to the restroom, a sense of urgency, dribbling of urine overnight, and pain or burning which may signal a bladder infection. Once diagnosis is completed, medications may be prescribed to reduce blockage and swelling, and fluid should be limited, especially a couple of hours before bedtime. In cases of a complete blockage, surgery is warranted.