THE WARNING SIGNS of Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate problem among men aged above 50.

It results in the enlargement of the prostate gland, an organ located below the bladder which helps in producing semen and in expelling the fluid during ejaculation.

If it becomes enlarged, the prostate puts pressure on the urethra and obstructs it, affecting a man's ability to urinate.

The following are warning signs of BPH:

· A need to urinate frequently, even in the middle of the night.

· Difficulty in starting to urinate.

· Difficulty emptying your bladder completely, resulting in urine dribbling after you are done.

· The stream of your urine is weak and intermittent.

· Sudden strong urge to urinate.

Source: The Straits Times dated 23 July 2008