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Main Menu > Pharmacy Medicines > Flomax Relief MR > Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) FAQs
See Also: Prostate Health
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) FAQs
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What Is BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)?BPH (also referred to as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy and Benign Enlargement of the Prostate) is a progressive, non-cancerous (benign) enlargement of the prostate gland. Although enlargement of the prostate gland is a natural process that occurs in all normal men, it can sometimes be excessive and cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).What Is The Prostate Gland And What Does It Do?The prostate is shaped like a walnut and is usually about 4cm x 3cm, located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. It produces a milky liquid called seminal fluid, which together with other secretions and sperm makes up semen. For more information about the prostate, please see our prostate information page.Who Does BPH Affect And How Common Is It?Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia affects 1 in 4 men over the age of 40 and is a common condition amongst men over this age. BPH cannot affect women, since they do not have a prostate gland.What Are The Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?Symptoms of BPH are called lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and are classified as either obstructive or irritative. BPH causes obstructive symptoms when the prostate presses on the urethra (the tube that carries urine), meaning it narrows and does not allow urine to pass through as easily. Obstructive symptoms would include:- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Straining to go
- Intermittency (stopping and starting)
Irritative symptoms are caused, in a way, by the initial obstructive symptoms. When you have obstructive symptoms, you have to strain to go to the toilet, eventually causing the muscle wall of the bladder to thicken due to its extra work load. The result of this is that the bladder is not as elastic and therefore, cannot hold as much urine. This causes you to need to go more often and is the reason that you cannot hold it in when you need to go. Therefore, typical irritative symptoms include:- Increased frequency
- Increased urgency
- Nocturia
How Will BPH Affect My Quality Of Life?BPH is a progressive condition. It starts as a mere inconvenience but if left untreated, it can get worse and can become debilitating. If you are unable to completely empty your bladder, this can result in stasis of bacteria in the bladder residue and an increased risk of UTI (urinary tract infection). Urinary retention is another form of progression.What Can I Do To Try And Alleviate The Symptoms Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?There are certain lifestyle changes you can make to help alleviate mild to moderate symptoms of BPH. These include:- Avoid drinking large amounts of liquid, although it is still important to keep hydrated.
- Avoid drinks altogether before bedtime.
- Reduce intake of drinks containing caffeine as caffeine can stimulate the bladder.
- Speak to the pharmacist about any medicines that are being taken - some can cause urine retention and make LUTS worse.
- Reduce alcohol consumption as this can stimulate the bladder.
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If you are suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms, please firstly check if you are suitable for treatment with Flomax Relief here. Please note that checking your suitability at this stage is only defined by general guidelines. You must complete a further questionnaire once you have added this product to your basket, which will be assessed by our pharmacist to determine your suitability for this treatment. Therefore, please be advised that our pharmacist reserves the right to refuse dispensation of this medicine (upon review of the medical information provided) to any person whom he may deem unsuitable for the treatment. More >>>
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Once you have completed the initial 14 day course, if you believe Flomax Relief has relieved your symptoms and would like to continue using it, you can request a 4 week supply. A further symptoms and side-effects review must take place to determine your suitability for the treatment, which will once again be at the pharmacist's discretion. You will also be reminded to visit your GP for confirmation of a diagnosis of BPH. More >>>
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) FAQs - Buy Online from Express Chemist UK Pharmacy
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