Understanding and Managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition, characterized by prostate gland enlargement, that affects millions of individuals and can significantly impact daily life through its effects on urinary function. While BPH isn't cancerous, its symptoms deserve attention and care to maintain your quality of life and overall well-being.

BPH is incredibly common, particularly as we age. Research shows that approximately 50% of individuals with prostates experience BPH between ages 51-60, with this number increasing to 80% after age 70. While traditionally associated with cisgender men, BPH can affect anyone with a prostate, including transgender women and some non-binary individuals who haven't undergone prostate removal.

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we understand that discussing prostate and urinary health can feel challenging. Our specialized pelvic floor physical therapy offers a non-invasive, evidence-based approach to managing BPH symptoms, working alongside your medical care team to improve your daily comfort and confidence.

Recognizing BPH Symptoms

BPH symptoms typically develop gradually, often affecting both daytime activities and sleep patterns. Understanding these symptoms is the first step toward finding relief:

Urinary Changes:

• Increased frequency of urination, particularly disrupting sleep with multiple nighttime bathroom visits (nocturia)
• Difficulty initiating urination, often accompanied by a feeling of hesitation or straining
• Changes in urinary stream, including weakening, stopping and starting, or dribbling after finishing

Daily Impact:

• Feeling that your bladder hasn't completely emptied after urination
• Sudden, urgent needs to urinate that can disrupt activities
• Planning activities around bathroom access
• Anxiety about managing symptoms in social situations

Many individuals find these symptoms significantly affect their social life, work performance, and overall well-being. However, with proper care and management, these impacts can be minimized.

Understanding the Causes of BPH

BPH develops through a complex interplay of factors, primarily related to the aging process and hormonal changes. The prostate naturally continues to grow throughout life, but several factors can influence this growth:

Primary Factors:

• Age-related hormonal shifts, particularly involving testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
• Genetic predisposition, especially if close family members have experienced BPH
• Overall health factors, including body weight and activity level

Contributing Elements:

• Metabolic conditions such as diabetes
• Chronic inflammation of the prostate
• Lifestyle factors that affect prostate and pelvic health

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Makes a Difference

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we take a comprehensive approach to managing BPH symptoms. While physical therapy can't reduce prostate size, it can significantly improve how your body manages the condition's effects. Our evidence-based treatment focuses on:

Symptom Management:

• Improving bladder emptying through enhanced pelvic floor coordination
• Reducing urinary frequency and urgency with specialized techniques
• Addressing any pain or discomfort through targeted interventions
• Strengthening or relaxing pelvic floor muscles based on your specific needs

Your Treatment Journey at Mendwell

Every individual's experience with BPH is unique, which is why we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific symptoms and goals. Your journey with us includes:

Initial Phase:

• Comprehensive assessment of your pelvic floor function and symptoms
• Discussion of your specific concerns and treatment goals
• Development of a customized treatment strategy

Treatment Approaches:

• Specialized pelvic floor exercises designed for your needs
• Manual therapy techniques to address tissue restrictions
• Bladder training protocols to improve control and confidence
• Education about lifestyle modifications that can reduce symptoms

Ongoing Support:

• Regular progress assessments
• Adjustments to your treatment plan as needed
• Development of a sustainable home exercise program

Common Questions About BPH Treatment

Can physical therapy really help with an enlarged prostate?
‍Yes, research shows that pelvic floor exercises and proper muscle coordination can significantly improve urinary symptoms. While physical therapy cannot reduce the actual size of the prostate, it can help manage BPH symptoms by improving pelvic floor muscle function and bladder control.

How quickly will I notice improvements with physical therapy?
‍While everyone's response to treatment varies, many patients report noticeable improvements within 6-8 weeks of consistent therapy and home exercise practice. Your physical therapist will work with you to set realistic expectations and track your progress throughout treatment.

Is it normal to have BPH symptoms at my age?
BPH is extremely common as men age, affecting about half of all men by age 60. However, "normal" doesn't mean you have to live with bothersome symptoms – there are many effective treatment options available.

Is it too early (or too late) to start physical therapy for BPH?
‍There's no wrong time to begin managing BPH symptoms. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, pelvic floor physical therapy can help improve your symptoms and prevent them from worsening.

How can I maintain improvements after physical therapy?
‍Your therapist will work with you to develop a sustainable home program that fits your lifestyle. While most patients don't need indefinite therapy, we're always here for periodic check-ins or if symptoms change over time.