Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Causes, Symptoms, Prevention!

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or “Enlarged Prostate” as we commonly call it, is a very common condition among elderly male population in our nation. A good number of our elderly men have been showing increasing worries concerning their difficulty with Urination, especially as they age, and hence the need for this publication.

To read about this condition in Pidgin, click here.

 

Table of Content

 

 

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a disease condition of the prostate gland that occurs when there is an abnormal increase in size (enlargement) of the prostate gland.
It is also known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

 

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia- An Increase in size of the prostate. Image credits: Royanurology

 

What is the Prostate Gland?

There is a small organ under a man’s bladder that helps make the fluid for sperm. It is called the prostate, and it is like a little walnut wrapping around the pipe where your urine flows out (that pipe is the urethra). But when you start growing older—especially past 50 years—this prostate can start growing bigger, like a walnut turning into a big orange! That is what doctors call Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

It is not cancer, and it does not increase your cancer risk, but it can make life a bit stressful, trust me!

This Prostate gland is a gland found only in Males (man), and is important for fertility & reproduction.

It is also important for Urination, hence when there is a problem with the Prostate gland, the man would have a problem in passing urine.

Most people with BPH are usually elderly, in their fifties & sixties, generally healthy looking but you may notice this urine odour around them.

Now, in Nigeria, we’ve got different tribes with their own languages, and they call this thing by names that describe the wahala it causes. Let’s dive into what our people call it!

Native Names for Enlarged Prostate in Nigeria:

• Yoruba (Southwest Nigeria): In Yoruba land, they call the prostate gland iseto or aseto, which literally means “that which obstructs the flow of urine.” Why? Because when the prostate swells, it squeezes the pee pipe, making it hard to urinate. So, an enlarged prostate is often just described as iseto causing trouble, since Yoruba name diseases by their symptoms. If you’re in Ibadan or Lagos, you might hear older men talk about “iseto” when they’re struggling to pee.

• Igbo (Southeast Nigeria): In Igbo, there’s no widely documented term specifically for the prostate gland itself in traditional language, but some sources mention echi di uti as a phrase used for prostate issues, possibly linked to urinary problems. It’s not a direct translation for “enlarged prostate” but points to the same vibe—something blocking the flow. Igbos might also describe it by symptoms, like “trouble with passing urine.” If you’re in Enugu or Onitsha, you might hear this term.

• Hausa (Northern Nigeria): In Hausa, the prostate or its issues don’t have a clear traditional name in common use, but some herbalists and locals might refer to urinary problems caused by BPH as ka’danya or similar terms, often tied to plants used to treat it. Hausa people, especially in Kano or Sokoto, might talk about “maganin prostate” (prostate medicine) when discussing BPH, focusing on the treatment rather than a specific name for the condition.

Why These Names Matter:

In Nigeria, especially in places like Yoruba and Igbo land, people often name diseases based on what they do to you. That’s why “iseto” in Yoruba means “something blocking urine”—it’s straight-up describing the struggle! Studies show many Nigerian men, especially in rural areas, don’t even know the prostate as a gland because it’s internal and wasn’t named in local languages traditionally. This makes awareness low, and guys might think their pee problems are just “old age” or even mix it up with STIs because of similar symptoms.

 

What is the Cause of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

As you age, your prostate can decide to go into overdrive and grow. Nobody is 100% sure why, but it is tied to getting older and a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) that tells your prostate cells to multiply like they’re in a rush. If your dad or brother had this issue, you’re more likely to face it too.

Also, things like eating too much red meat, sugar, or carrying extra belly fat might add fuel to the fire. But let’s be real—age is the main culprit here. It’s just part of the journey of being a man!

 

How do I Notice Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

The symptoms of BPH are diverse and vary from patient to patient.

When your prostate gets bigger, it starts squeezing that urine pipe (urethra) like it is trying to block the road. You might notice:

• You’re running to the bathroom all the time, even waking up at night like your bladder’s got an alarm clock!

• Your urine stream is weak, like it’s moving in slow motion, or it’s dribbling like a leaky faucet.

• It’s hard to start peeing, or you feel like you can’t empty your bladder completely.

• In serious cases, you might not be able to pee at all—that’s a red flag, my friend! Get to a hospital fast!

Some guys don’t even feel a thing, but if it’s messing with your vibe, don’t ignore it. You’re too big for that!

Other symptoms are:

 

    1. Cannot hold urine for long or postpone urination, have to urinate as soon as you start feeling pressed.
    2. When the urine comes out, you tend to Urinate & stop, and start again, and stop. Just like that.
    3. Some may have problems with sexual Performance & Abnormal ejaculations.
    4. You might notice blood in you urine. See a doctor immediately you notice this, because it can also be a sign of Cancer of the Prostate.

 

Treatment For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Anyone with BPH, should go to the hospital immediately to see a doctor (especially a Urologist.) If You do not know where to find one, Just go the any Federal Medical Centre or Teaching Hospital in Your State.

How Do Doctors Check It?

If you tell your doctor you’re having pee troubles, they’ll ask questions like, “How many times are you hitting the bathroom at night?” They might do a digital rectal exam—yeah, they check the prostate by feeling it through your backside. It’s quick, so don’t stress! They could also run a PSA test (a blood test to check prostate levels) or an ultrasound to see how big the prostate is. No need to feel shy—doctors have seen it all!

Your doctor may employ different methods to help you which may include:

 

    1. Catheter: Used to enable the patient to pass out urine & relieve the Urinary retention first.
    2. Medication: There are drugs that relax the muscles around your prostate, so urine flows like a river. They can start working in days!
      • there are also other drugs that can shrink the prostate over months, but heads-up: they might lower your bedroom energy for some guys. Talk to your doctor about that.
      • Sometimes, doctors mix these meds for a better outcome to tackle your symptoms. Remember: Do not take drugs without a doctor’s prescription. You may do more harm than good to yourself.
    3. Surgery is the last resort: If medications don’t do the work, there’s something called TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate), where they remove part of the prostate to clear the blockage. It’s not too heavy, but you might need a catheter for a bit.
      • There are also new options like aquablation, where they use water jets to clear the prostate. Less stress, faster recovery. Your doctor would tell you the surgery options that is suitable for you.
    4. Lastly, Hold On to Faith: Like we always say, “Put it in God’s hands, my brother!” Pray for strength and healing, but don’t just sit there—take action too. God will guide you to the right doctor and the right plan. Stay strong, you’ve got this!

 

Effects of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (What BPH can Cause):

An enlarging prostate gland in a man can cause problems with

 

    • Fertility: due to the function of the prostate gland in the production of semen, as well the closeness of the gland to other fertility organs (Seminal vesicles, VAS, etc), there could be a problem in fertility and getting a woman pregnant.
    • Urination: as a result of the urethra passing through the Prostate, enlargement of the prostate can compress the Urethra, and cause difficulty with passing out Urine.
    • Defecation: in the same way that the Prostate can compress the Urethra, an enlarging prostate gland can also compress the rectum (where the faeces pass through), thereby causing constipation.
    • Infections & Stone Formation: the retention of urine can also predispose you to having recurrent infections, stone formation, stone formation & further obstruction

 

Self-Care Strategies for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

 

    • Change Your Lifestyle, Champ:
      • Stop drinking tons of water or alcohol at night so you’re not waking up every hour to pee.
      • Avoid caffeine (like coffee or energy drinks) and alcohol—they can irritate your bladder and make things worse.
      • Eat right! Load up on fruits, veggies, pumpkin seeds, and fish. Some experts, like Dr. Eric Berg, say cutting dairy (milk, cheese) might help since it can have hormones that make your prostate grow.
      • Get moving—walk, jog, or hit the gym! Sitting all day isn’t doing your prostate any favors.
      • Try peeing on a schedule, like every 2-3 hours, even if you don’t feel the urge. Keep things flowing!

 

Other conditions that can mimic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

These conditions share similar symptoms with BPH. They are

 

 

 

Final Motivation:

Don’t be ashamed to talk about this, my guy! Remember, “You’re a king, but even kings need to take care of their body!” Go see a doctor, get checked, and make those small changes to live better. You can still be the champion of your life, no matter what your prostate is doing. Keep shining, keep pushing, and handle this thing like the boss you are!

Let us continue to raise the awareness of people about BPH by sharing this write up.

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