Enlarged Prostate Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

1. Enlarged Prostate Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

2. What Is an Enlarged Prostate? An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is the multiplication of prostate gland cells to the point that the prostate grows larger in size. Because the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, swelling can place added pressure on the urethra, causing the flow of urine to be limited. An enlarged prostate is not prostate cancer. There are many significant differences between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPH is actually a very common condition that occurs with aging, and one that affects over 90% of men over the age of 80.

3. Signs of an Enlarged Prostate The symptoms of BPH may be mild at first, becoming more intense over time. This is especially true if the condition continues to go untreated and the prostate continues to swell. What does an enlarged prostate feel like? Men with BPH may experience the following symptoms: Waking to urinate 2 or more times at night Dribbling after urinating Incomplete bladder emptying Straining when urinating Weak stream when urinating Pain when urinating Strong and sudden urge to urinate ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

4. Why Does the Prostate Swell at Night? Nocturnal swelling can be due to the enlarged prostate gland squeezing the urethra, and also prostatitis, which is swelling due to leakage of bacteria-laden urine from the bladder into the prostate.

5. What Causes Enlarged Prostate? The exact cause of enlarged prostate is not known. It’s thought that one factor may be age-related changes to male sex hormones. However, enlarged prostate in women can also occur. Men with a family history of testicular abnormalities or prostate problems may have an increased risk of developing BPH.

6. How Is Enlarged Prostate Treated? Although you may have symptoms of BPH, the only way to tell if you have an enlarged prostate is to undergo testing. Testing typically begins with physical examination. Your provider may also recommend urinalysis, urodynamic, and post-void residual testing. BPH can be treated by making lifestyle changes. Alcohol and caffeine avoidance, keeping warm, and reducing stress can help relieve symptoms. You can also urinate whether or not you feel like it, exercise regularly, and do Kegel exercises. Medications for BPH include alpha-1 blockers and antibiotics. Surgery may also be recommended.

7. When to Talk to Your Provider The side effects of an enlarged prostate can become serious if left untreated. Although rare, kidney damage can occur, and if you have prostatitis, prolonged infection can lead to serious health problems. Call a provider right away if you: Notice less urine output than usual See pus or blood in your urine Have chills or fever Feel abdominal, side or back pain Haven’t noticed symptom improvement after 2 months of lifestyle treatment Are taking medication that causes urinary issues Don’t feel your bladder empties completely after urination ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

8. About Crystal Run Healthcare The New York-based internal medicine specialists at Crystal Run Healthcare offer exceptional treatment in modern facilities for BPH and other conditions. For more information on how Crystal Run Healthcare can help you with BPH, visit https://www.crystalrunhealthcare.com/s pecialties/internal-medicine

9. Sources https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000381.htm https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia