Management of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Annu Rev Med. 1997:48:177-89. doi: 10.1146/annurev.med.48.1.177.

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of morbidity among older men. Primary care physicians need to develop expertise in its management. The causes of BPH are unknown; aging and the presence of male androgens are the dominant risk factors. Obtaining a medical history is a key step in assessing whether lower urinary tract symptoms are due to BPH or to some other process. A reliable and valid seven-item questionnaire has been developed to objectively assess symptom severity. A focused physical examination including a digital rectal exam should be performed, as well as a urinalysis and serum creatinine. Optional tests include uroflowmetry, post-void residual urine, and prostate-specific antigen measurements. BPH is treated primarily to improve the quality, rather than increase the quantity, of life. Optimal decisions about treatment are best made by a clinician and an informed patient working together.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Care Team
  • Patient Participation
  • Prostatectomy
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / physiopathology
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / diagnosis
  • Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / physiopathology
  • Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / therapy
  • Urodynamics / physiology