Non-malignant enlargement of the prostate, called BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is a consequence of excessive prostatic growth and is characterized by troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms, deteriorating the quality of life, both during the day and at night.
More information about the disease can be found in the section: What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

It is one of the most common complaints in men after age of 50.

Effective treatment of BPH is based on elimination of the causes of symptoms burdensome for the patients, mainly associated with urine excretion. The choice of an appropriate treatment method depends on the intensity of symptoms and complaints associated with the lower urinary tract, the patient’s age and general condition, and coincident diseases. The decision concerning the choice of treatment is made by the doctor, who takes into consideration the patient’s individual needs and preferences.

Depending on the severity of symptoms treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia involves: (according to Guidelines of European Association of Urology-EAU) www.uroweb.org

• medical consultation (prevention, diet, hygiene)
• pharmaceutical therapy - for patients with moderate symptoms, without complications such as urine retention, urolithiasis, hematuria.

Pharmacutical therapy alleviates the complaints associated with lower urinary tract symptoms increasing overall quality of life.

Following therapies are used in treatment of BPH:

     Pharmacotherapy

• 5 α-reductase inhibitors – inhibit the enlargement, or even reduce the size, of the prostate, provided that the treatment is continued for many months, or even for many years.
• α 1-adrenergic receptor blockers – act by reducing smooth muscle tone, alleviating the symptoms of irritation.
• agents of herbal origin – with anti-inflammatory, edema-reducing and anti-androgenic effect.

     Surgical treatment

• surgical treatment – in patients with complications such as: urine retention requiring catheterization of the bladder, urolithiasis, vesical diverticulosis, chronic, recurrent or bacterial infections of the urinary tract, hematuria, bilateral hydronephrosis or renal failure.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a very common complaint among men above fifty years of age.