Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is a common condition that affects men as they age. It is characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can lead to urinary problems such as difficulty urinating and frequent urination. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as its origins, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is defined as the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can cause urinary symptoms. It is a common condition among older men, with up to 90% of men over the age of 80 experiencing some degree of prostate enlargement.
Origin
The exact cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in hormone levels as men age. Specifically, it is thought that an increase in the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone produced by the prostate gland, may contribute to prostate enlargement.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, benign prostatic hyperplasia is defined as “an enlargement of the prostate gland that is not cancerous and that can cause problems with urination.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, typically affecting older men and causing difficulty in urination.”
Associations
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is associated with a range of urinary symptoms, including difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, and the need to urinate frequently, especially at night. In severe cases, it can lead to urinary retention, which requires medical intervention.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for benign prostatic hyperplasia include enlarged prostate, prostate gland enlargement, and benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for benign prostatic hyperplasia, as it is a specific medical condition. However, some antonyms for the symptoms associated with BPH might include normal urination, strong urine flow, and infrequent urination.
The same root words
The root words of benign prostatic hyperplasia are “benign,” meaning non-cancerous, “prostatic,” meaning related to the prostate gland, and “hyperplasia,” meaning abnormal growth. Other medical terms that share these root words include benign prostatic neoplasia, which refers to non-cancerous growths in the prostate gland, and prostatic hyperplasia, which is a more general term for abnormal growth of the prostate gland.
Example Sentences
- “John was experiencing difficulty urinating, so his doctor diagnosed him with benign prostatic hyperplasia.”
- “As men age, they become more susceptible to benign prostatic hyperplasia.”
- “Although benign prostatic hyperplasia is not cancerous, it can still cause significant urinary problems for men.”