The prostate gland is a small, muscular gland located below the bladder in men. It produces a fluid that makes up a part of the semen. As men age, the prostate gland can enlarge, a condition known as prostate hyperplasia.

As the gland gets bigger, it can place pressure on the urethra, causing problems with urination. Here, we discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for prostate hyperplasia.

What Causes Prostate Hyperplasia?

The exact cause of prostate hyperplasia is not known. However, it is believed that hormonal changes that occur as men age may play a role in the development of the condition.

Specifically, an increase in the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may cause the prostate gland to enlarge. Other factors that may contribute to prostate hyperplasia include:.

Aging
Family history of the condition
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Hyperplasia?

The symptoms of prostate hyperplasia can vary from person to person. Some men may experience no symptoms at all, while others may have more severe symptoms. The most common symptoms of prostate hyperplasia include:.

Frequent urination, especially at night
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak urine stream
Urinary incontinence
Urinary tract infection
Blood in the urine
Painful urination

How Is Prostate Hyperplasia Diagnosed?

Prostate hyperplasia is often diagnosed during a routine physical exam. Your doctor may perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel the size and shape of your prostate gland.

If your doctor suspects that you may have prostate hyperplasia, they may recommend additional tests, such as:.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
Urinalysis
Uroflowmetry, a test that measures the strength and volume of urine flow
Transrectal ultrasound, a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the prostate gland

What Are the Treatment Options for Prostate Hyperplasia?

Treatment for prostate hyperplasia depends on the severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as:.

Limiting fluids before bedtime
Urinating on a regular schedule
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
Maintaining a healthy weight

If your symptoms are more severe, your doctor may recommend medication. Medications that are commonly used to treat prostate hyperplasia include:.

Alpha-blockers, which relax the muscles in the prostate gland
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which decrease the production of DHT
Combination medications, which contain both alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors

If medication doesn’t help relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery. The most common surgical procedure for prostate hyperplasia is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

During this procedure, a surgeon removes a portion of the prostate gland to relieve pressure on the urethra.

Conclusion

Prostate hyperplasia is a common condition that can cause problems with urination. While the exact cause of the condition is not known, hormonal changes and other factors may contribute to its development.

If you are experiencing symptoms of prostate hyperplasia, it is important to talk to your doctor. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery, and your doctor can help you decide which option is best for you.