Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate gland, also called 'benign prostatic hyperplasia', is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland in men.
This condition is quite common in aging men, with about 50 percent of men between the ages of 51 and 60 and up to 90 percent of men older than 80.¹
Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate
Frequent urination is the most common, which may occur as frequently as every one to two hours, particularly during nighttime.
Additional symptoms include:
The sensation of a full bladder even after urinating
The frequent need to urinate, perhaps every one to two hours
The need to stop and start urination multiple times
The urgent sensation to urinate, often accompanied by a feeling of inability to wait
A reduced flow of urine.
Straining to urinate
Waking up more than twice during the night to urinate
What causes an enlarged prostate?
The condition predominantly affects older men, though its exact cause remains unclear.
One theory focuses on dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone that influences prostate development and growth. Despite a decline in blood testosterone levels, research indicates that older men continue to produce and accumulate high levels of DHT in the prostate.
This accumulation may stimulate ongoing growth of prostate cells. Notably, men who do not produce DHT do not develop benign prostatic hyperplasia.
What puts you at risk for developing this condition?
-
Having a family history of the condition
-
Being over 40 years of age
-
Being obese, having type 2 diabetes, or erectile dysfunction
How is an enlarged prostate diagnosed?
Asking about your symptoms and family history.
When it comes to diagnosing this condition, a health care provider will ask you about your symptoms as well as your family medical history to help gain a broader understanding of their condition.
The family medical history can give insight into possible underlying causes of BPH, including genetic factors, lifestyle habits, and environmental exposure to certain chemicals or toxins.
By taking the time to gather a detailed family medical history, the provider can tailor the diagnostic approach to the patient's individual needs, and ultimately, develop a more effective treatment plan.
Doing a physical exam.
A physical exam for an enlarged prostate is a crucial step in diagnosing this medical condition. During the exam, the healthcare provider will assess the patient's symptoms, such as discharge, as well as check the urethra and lymph nodes. The most significant aspect of the exam is the digital rectal exam, where the physician inserts a lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormality or enlargement of the prostate gland. This exam is an important tool for detecting an enlarged prostate as it's a non-invasive way of examining the prostate gland and assessing its health. Overall, understanding the importance of a physical exam can play a vital role in diagnosing and treating an enlarged prostate, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
How do we shrink your enlarged prostate at FVS?
Lifestyle modifications
While medical treatments can alleviate symptoms, lifestyle modifications are also an effective way to manage the condition. Simple changes like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall prostate health.
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, especially before bedtime, can also reduce the frequency of nighttime urination.
Prostatic artery embolization
Unlike the more invasive surgical options, prostatic artery embolization (PAE) involves inserting small particles through a small incision in the groin or wrist area and guiding them to the arteries that supply blood to the prostate.
These particles then block the blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink and effectively relieving the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. This procedure has shown great promise in improving patient outcomes and quality of life, with minimal side effects.
Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). NIDDK website. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/. Accessed on January 21, 2024.