Enlarged prostate/ BPH
Overview
The expansion of the prostate gland in men is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a benign disorder that prevents urine from passing through the urethra. While it is typical for men to develop an enlarged prostate as they become older, many men will show no signs or symptoms.
When BPH produces unpleasant urine symptoms, your doctor may suggest one of several treatment choices. During therapy, the urologists at Urology Clinics of North Texas take into account all aspects of the patient’s health, including other medical conditions, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Causes
When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it can restrict urine flow, resulting in urinary discomfort. The aetiology of an enlarged prostate is unknown. Men’s prostates usually continue to grow throughout their lifetimes. Testosterone, which induces cell development in the prostate, is known to influence prostate size. As you become older, your chances of acquiring an enlarged prostate grow. BPH is linked to a number of other risk factors, including:
- Family history of enlarged prostate
- Diabetes and heart disease
- Obesity
If you’re having any urinary problems, you should discuss them with your doctor.
Diagnosis
Many men are unaware that they have an enlarged prostate. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and perform a prostate examination. Urine and blood tests, as well as a Prostate-specific antigen blood test, may be performed. Urinary flow tests, ultrasounds, and, in rare situations, a prostate biopsy may be performed to help your doctor rule out prostate cancer.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate can include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Incontinence
- Slow or weak urinary stream
- Pain with urination
- Frequent urination at night
- Sudden urge to urinate
Treatment
Your treatment options will be determined by your provider based on the severity of your symptoms and other medical issues.
The optimal treatment option will be determined by your age, prostate size, overall health, and the intensity of your symptoms.
Active surveillance
In some cases, watchful waiting is the recommended course of treatment if symptoms are minimal.
Medication
Medication is the most common treatment of BPH symptoms. Alpha-blockers that relax muscles to make urination easier can be prescribed. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may be prescribed to shrink the prostate.
Rezum
This is a minimally invasive therapy that uses water vapor to shrink the prostate. Rezum is done in the office and can relieve symptoms including urinary urgency, frequency, weak urine stream, and excessive nighttime urination.
Urolift
A urolift implant can relieve symptoms of enlarged prostate by lifting the tissue and increasing the opening to the urethra.
Minimally invasive surgery
If medication does not relieve the symptoms, surgery may be recommended to remove some of the prostate or remove any obstructions.