What Causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Androgens play a major role in the onslaught of benign prostatic hyperplasia. They do not necessarily cause the condition directly, but do support its progression. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is observed less in castrated males than their ‘intact’ counterparts. A metabolite of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, plays a critical role in prostatic growth, when synthesized in the region by the action of 5α-reductase, type 2 enzyme. The enzyme binds to nuclear androgen receptors and triggers epithelial and stromal cell growth factors. Estrogens also play a vital role in the benign prostatic hyperplasia etiology. Symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia varies greatly, depending on individual lifestyle. Signs and Symptoms Benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms manifest within two clinically segmented categories: ‘storage’ or ‘voiding’. Storage signs and symptoms include: • Compelling need for frequent urination. • Urgency incontinence. • Nocturia. The voiding symptoms include: • Hesitancy p
