K.N.O.W. Home Health - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

What Is BPH?

BPH stands for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. It means the prostate gland is enlarged. The prostate is a small gland in men that helps make semen. It sits below the bladder and surrounds the tube that carries urine out of the body (called the urethra).

When the prostate gets too big, it can press on the urethra, making it hard to pass urine.

BPH is not cancer, but it can cause uncomfortable problems when urinating.

What Causes BPH?

The exact cause of BPH is not fully known, but it is linked to:

Aging – most common in men over 50
Changes in male hormones (like testosterone)
Family history of prostate problems

What Are the Symptoms?

BPH can cause:

Trouble starting to urinate
Weak urine stream
Needing to pee often, especially at night
Feeling like your bladder is not empty
Urgency to urinate
Dribbling at the end of urination

How Is BPH Treated?

Treatment depends on how bad the symptoms are:

Lifestyle changes (like avoiding caffeine or alcohol)
Medicines that relax the muscles or shrink the prostate
Surgery (if symptoms are very bad or medicines don’t help)
Catheters (used to help drain the bladder if you can't urinate)

Special Precautions

Avoid drinking too much at bedtime to reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom
Don’t wait too long to go to the bathroom
Avoid cold medicines like decongestants without talking to your doctor (they can make symptoms worse)
Always take medicine as prescribed
Tell your nurse or doctor if you notice blood in your urine, fever, or pain

Is There a Special Diet?

There is no strict diet, but these tips can help:

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
Avoid greasy, salty, and processed foods
Drink plenty of water, but reduce fluids before bed
Limit caffeine, soda, and alcohol

Some men find that less red meat and more plant-based foods help symptoms.

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

You have pain while urinating
You can’t empty your bladder
You feel burning or pressure in your lower belly
Your symptoms suddenly get worse
You see blood in your urine
You run out of medicine or miss doses

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Go to the ER if:

You cannot urinate at all
You have severe pain in the lower belly
You have a high fever with chills
You have confusion or feel very weak

Other Helpful Tips

BPH is common in older men and can be treated
Don’t be embarrassed to talk about it
Keep track of your symptoms and bring your list to your doctor
Exercise, eat healthy, and manage stress for better overall health

📝 Patient Homework / Assessment

Circle TRUE or FALSE for each statement below: Please correct each False statement

True or False: BPH means the prostate gland is cancerous.
True or False: BPH is common in men over age 50.
True or False: An enlarged prostate can press on the urethra and make urinating hard.
True or False: Needing to pee often at night is a common symptom of BPH.
True or False: Eating more red meat can help reduce BPH symptoms.
True or False: Caffeine and alcohol can make BPH symptoms worse.
True or False: Cold medicines like decongestants are safe to take without asking your doctor.
True or False: A weak urine stream may be a sign of BPH.
True or False: Holding your urine for a long time is good for prostate health.
True or False: Medicines can help relax the muscles in the prostate.
True or False: If you can't urinate at all, you should go to the emergency room.
True or False: A catheter may be used to help you pee if you're unable to on your own.
True or False: There is no treatment available for BPH.
True or False: It’s helpful to drink less fluid right before bedtime.
True or False: You should call your nurse if you feel pressure or pain in your lower belly.
True or False: BPH can make you feel like your bladder is never fully empty.
True or False: You should stop your medicine if you feel better without telling your doctor.
True or False: Healthy eating and exercise can help your overall health, including prostate health.
True or False: You should keep track of your symptoms and share them with your doctor.
True or False: Feeling embarrassed about BPH is normal, but it’s important to talk to your nurse or doctor.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Have you noticed changes in your urination, such as a weak stream, difficulty starting or stopping, or needing to urinate more frequently at night?

How often do these urinary symptoms affect your daily activities, like sleep, work, or social life?

Are you currently taking any medications or using any treatments for BPH, and how well do they help manage your symptoms?

Have you experienced any complications, such as urinary tract infections, bladder discomfort, or inability to fully empty your bladder?