Enlarged Prostate Treatment Specialist Q&A

Healthcare professionals have not determined the exact cause of an enlarged prostate; however, several factors are linked with the growth of this gland. The enlargement of the prostate gland is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), indicating that the condition is not malignant.
 
As men get older, BPH becomes more likely. While this condition is uncommon in men under the age of 40, over 90% of men over 80 have BPH. Due to this correlation, changes in hormone levels, specifically lower testosterone, are believed to contribute to the enlargement of the prostate gland.
 
In addition, a family history of this condition is a risk factor for developing BPH, indicating a genetic predisposition. Research also demonstrates that diabetes, heart disease, and obesity may raise the risk of developing an enlarged prostate.

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate often start off mild and become more bothersome if treatment is delayed. BPH does not always cause symptoms; in fact, less than half of the men affected by this condition report any unusual changes.

When this condition does result in symptoms, they may include:
 
– Difficulty or inability to urinate.
– Straining to urinate.
– Incomplete bladder emptying.
– Frequent urge to urinate (twice per night or more).
– Incontinence.
– Dribbling at the end of urination.
– Bloody urine.
– Pain during urination.
– Weak urine stream.
– Urinary stones.
 
If you are affected by such symptoms, it’s recommended that you see a men’s health specialist to understand what’s causing them. You should contact your provider right away if you notice less urine than usual, experience fever, chills, back or abdominal pain, or see blood or pus in your urine.
 
Other health problems may lead to symptoms that are similar to those of BPH, such as urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney stones, inflamed prostate, or prostate cancer. For this reason, it’s important to see a medical professional for a careful diagnosis if you suspect you may have an enlarged prostate.

To diagnose prostate enlargement, your doctor will begin by thoroughly reviewing your medical history. They will ask you questions regarding when you first noticed the symptoms and their severity. Next, your doctor will perform a digital rectal exam to feel your prostate.

In addition, healthcare providers use a variety of other diagnostic tests to confirm a BPH diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as:
 
– Urine flow rate.
– Urinalysis.
– Urine culture.
– Post-void residual urine test.
– Pressure-flow studies.
– Cystoscopy.
– Blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
– Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
 
In addition, to assess the size of the prostate and the amount of urine left in the bladder, an ultrasound may be performed. In some cases, a prostate MRI will be ordered to obtain a view of the entire gland. With the help of these diagnostic tools, your doctor will be able to accurately diagnose your condition and rule out the possibility of other ailments, such as bladder problems or cancer.

Various treatments are available to address an enlarged prostate. The best BPH treatment for you will depend on your symptoms and their severity, your age, your general wellness, and your preferences. Medications, such as alpha-blockers, Cialis, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are prescribed to minimize mild to moderate symptoms of BPH.
 
If medications aren’t providing sufficient relief or if you prefer to avoid medication side effects, surgery, enucleation treatments, or ablative procedures may be right for you. In addition, your healthcare provider may discuss treatments such as a prostate lift, water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT), embolization, or prostatectomy depending on your specific needs.
 
To determine the right treatment for BPH in your circumstances, as well as go over the benefits and considerations of each approach, schedule your consultation appointment at Alate Health in Houston, Texas. Our dedicated BPH treatment specialist will discuss your preferences, symptoms, and health history to help you manage your condition successfully. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Hermann Drive Houston, TX, and Gulf Freeway Houston, TX. We serve patients from Hermann Drive Houston TX, Gulf Freeway Houston TX, Houston Heights TX, Montrose TX, Bellaire TX, Pasadena TX, Deer Park TX, Pearland TX, and surrounding areas of Texas.