In the beginning of life, the prostate gland is approximately the size of a pea. The gland then grows throughout life, gradually until puberty is reached and then rapidly grows until the person reaches the third decade of their life. At this point, the prostate gland is considered to be the normal adult size. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the prostate gland becomes larger than the normal adult size (Rodway & McCance, 2014). The enlargement occurs within the transition zone of the prostate by an uncontrolled cellular proliferation of the smooth muscle, glandular epithelium, and connective tissue (Patel & Parsons, 2014). This enlargement is thought to occur due to endocrine factors and androgens in the body’s circulation and
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In men, living in the United States, between the ages of 60-69, 75% are diagnosed with BPH (Cohen & Parsons, 2012). Even though BPH has a high incidence rate, most men that experience symptoms of BPH and LUTS typically tolerate these symptoms for approximately two years before speaking with their health care provider. This is important for the nurse practitioner (NP) to know because how can you help or treat your patients if you are unaware of any problems. As a NP, it is important to obtain a very focused and detailed urological assessment. Specific open-ended questions need to be asked instead of any general, closed-ended questions to obtain an accurate picture and understanding of the patients’ urological status. This is also true with male patients who are receiving pharmalogical treatment for BPH. BPH and some medications used for treatment can cause sexual dysfunctions. It is important to inform male patients of these possible issues, so that the patient will be more willing to discuss them with the NP if needed. Most men perceive the symptoms of BPH, LUTS, and sexual dysfunction as just the process of getting older. Male patients need to know that there is treatment available (Miner,
In men, living in the United States, between the ages of 60-69, 75% are diagnosed with BPH (Cohen & Parsons, 2012). Even though BPH has a high incidence rate, most men that experience symptoms of BPH and LUTS typically tolerate these symptoms for approximately two years before speaking with their health care provider. This is important for the nurse practitioner (NP) to know because how can you help or treat your patients if you are unaware of any problems. As a NP, it is important to obtain a very focused and detailed urological assessment. Specific open-ended questions need to be asked instead of any general, closed-ended questions to obtain an accurate picture and understanding of the patients’ urological status. This is also true with male patients who are receiving pharmalogical treatment for BPH. BPH and some medications used for treatment can cause sexual dysfunctions. It is important to inform male patients of these possible issues, so that the patient will be more willing to discuss them with the NP if needed. Most men perceive the symptoms of BPH, LUTS, and sexual dysfunction as just the process of getting older. Male patients need to know that there is treatment available (Miner,