Enlarged prostate is a common condition for men over the age of 50. The medical term for an enlarged prostate is BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

A man’s prostate gland grows throughout his life and can often squeeze the urethra, which runs from the bladder through the prostate to the penis. This squeezing can cause urinary problems and discomfort for the man. In this article, we will look at the causes and treatment options for an enlarged prostate.

: Causes of Enlarged Prostate

Although the exact cause of an enlarged prostate is unknown, age and hormonal changes are identified as primary causes for enlargement. The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system and secretes fluid that nourishes and helps carry sperm.

The growth of the prostate gland is controlled by the male hormone testosterone. As men age, their bodies tend to produce less testosterone leading to the enlargement of the prostate gland.

Other factors such as genetics, obesity, and lifestyle choices like diet and exercise also play a role in the development of an enlarged prostate.

: Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate can include:.

Inability to empty the bladder completely
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
Weak or interrupted urine stream
Dribbling at the end of urination
Need to strain while urinating
Sleep disturbances due to the frequent need to urinate
Blood in semen or urine (In severe cases)

: Diagnosis of Enlarged Prostate

If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above or have other concerns regarding your prostate, you should consult with your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider will likely conduct a physical examination, including a digital rectal exam, and may order additional tests such as a urine flow study or a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

: Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate

The treatment options for an enlarged prostate depend on the severity of your symptoms. In mild cases, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes to help alleviate your symptoms.

In more severe cases, several treatment options may be available, including:.

: Medications

There are several medications available for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of an enlarged prostate.

Alpha-blockers work by relaxing bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate to make urination easier. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors work by reducing the size of the prostate gland over time. However, these medications can have side effects such as dizziness, low blood pressure, and sexual dysfunction.

: Minimally Invasive Procedures

If medications are not effective, your healthcare provider may suggest a minimally invasive procedure. These procedures are designed to relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate by reducing its size. The most common minimally invasive procedures include:.

: Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT)

TUMT is a procedure that uses microwave energy to heat and destroy prostate tissue. The procedure typically takes around an hour, and the patient can return home the same day.

There may be mild discomfort, such as burning with urination, for a few weeks after the procedure, but this typically resolves quickly.

: Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

TURP is a procedure that removes portions of the prostate gland using a resectoscope inserted through the urethra.

The procedure typically takes around 90 minutes to complete, and the patient will likely need to stay in the hospital for at least one night. There may be some discomfort, such as burning with urination, for a few weeks after the procedure, but this typically resolves quickly.

: Prostatic Urethral Lift

The prostatic urethral lift is a newer procedure that uses a device to compress prostate tissue, creating a larger channel for urine flow. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete, and the patient can return home the same day.

There may be some discomfort, such as burning with urination, for a few weeks after the procedure, but this typically resolves quickly.

: Surgical Options

If medications and minimally invasive procedures are not effective, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove the prostate gland partially or entirely. The most common surgical procedures for an enlarged prostate include:.

: Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP)

TUIP is a procedure that involves making small incisions in the prostate to relieve pressure on the urethra and allow for better urine flow. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete, and the patient can return home the same day.

There may be some discomfort, such as burning with urination, for a few weeks after the procedure, but this typically resolves quickly.

: Open Prostatectomy

Open prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire prostate gland through an incision in the abdomen.

The procedure typically takes around three hours to complete, and the patient will need to stay in the hospital for several days to recover. There may be some discomfort, such as pain and swelling, for several weeks after the procedure.

: Conclusion

Enlarged prostate is a common condition for men over the age of 50. Although the exact cause is unknown, age and hormonal changes are primary factors for an enlarged prostate.

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate can range from mild to severe, and treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms. Medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery are all viable options to treat an enlarged prostate.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms, as early treatment can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.