What is an enlarged prostate?
An enlarged prostate, a medical condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a prevalent condition in men as they get older. The prostate gland, which is usually the size of a walnut, is situated below the bladder and encapsulates the urethra – the tube through which urine leaves the body. As a man ages, the prostate tends to become enlarged, and this can cause urinary problems because of the pressure on the urethra.
Note that an enlarged prostate is not malignant and does not raise the risk of prostate cancer. Yet, the symptoms considerably affect the quality of life. Knowledge of enlarged prostate is important for timely recognition of the condition and access to proper treatment options.
CAUSES OF ENLARGED PROSTATE
The precise enlarged prostate reasons are unknown, yet some factors are involved in the cause of BPH:
- Aging : The risk of an enlarged prostate gland goes up with age.
- Hormonal Changes : Changes in testosterone and oestrogen levels have possibly been implicated.
- Family History : A genetic history of prostate issues can raise risk.
- Lifestyle Factors : Being overweight, inactivity, and some eating habits could play a part.
SYMPTOMS OF ENLARGED PROSTATE
The common symptoms are:
- Frequent Urination : Most prominent in the night (nocturia).
- Urgency to Urinate : A sudden compelling need to urinate.
- Difficulty Starting Urination : Hesitancy or straining.
- Incomplete Bladder Emptying : Perception that the bladder is not completely emptied.
- Weak Urine Stream : Decrease in the force of the urine stream.
These enlarged prostate symptoms may change in severity and even progress in the future if left untreated.
DIAGNOSIS OF ENLARGED PROSTATE
Diagnosing an enlarged prostate is a multi-step process:
- Medical History and Symptom Assessment : Interviewing about urinary symptoms and their effects.
- Physical Examination : Such as a digital rectal exam to gauge the size of the enlarged prostate gland.
- Urine Tests : To exclude infections or other illness.
- Blood Tests : To test for kidney issues.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test : To rule out prostate cancer.
- Imaging Tests : Such as ultrasound to establish the enlarged prostate size
At Healing Hands Clinic, Urologists perform comprehensive patient profiling to understand individual risk factors and guide early intervention efforts.
TREATMENT FOR ENLARGED PROSTATE
Treatment for an enlarged prostate varies based on the severity of symptoms and the size of the enlarged prostate. Some of the treatment options are:
1. Lifestyle Changes
- Dietary Adjustments : Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Fluid Control : Restricting fluids at night to decrease nocturia.
- Exercise Routine : Following enlarged prostate exercise plans, like Kegel exercises, to make pelvic muscles stronger.
2. Medications
- Alpha Blockers : Relax prostate and bladder neck muscles to enhance urine flow.
- 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors : Reduce the enlarged prostate gland by inhibiting hormonal changes.
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT) : Destroys excess prostate tissue with microwave energy.
- Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) : Destroys prostate tissue using radiofrequency energy.
4. Surgical Options
- Trans-Urethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) : Most frequent enlarged prostate surgery, which involves the removal of pieces of the prostate. It is done under spinal or general anaesthesia. A scope is passed through the urethra to shave off excess prostate tissue obstructing urine flow.
- UROLIFT : A proven approach to treating BPH that lifts and holds enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, so it no longer blocks the urethra. As we know, an enlarged prostate can narrow or even block the urethra. In this procedure, UroLift™ Implants are permanently placed to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way. Finally, the UroLift™ Delivery Device is removed, leaving an open urethra with improve flow and provide lasting relief from BPH symptoms.
Advantages of UROLIFT :
- Recovery is very fast
- It provides lasting relief and much better results compared to medicines.
- Considerable relief from symptoms
- Improves quality of life
- It preserves sexual function.
- Laser Surgery : Uses powerful lasers to shrink or eliminate excess tissue.
- Open Prostatectomy : An enlarged prostate surgery for extremely large prostates.
Selecting the appropriate enlarged prostate treatment means consulting with a health care professional and weighing variables such as severity of symptoms, size of enlarged prostate, and general health. If you're noticing signs of an enlarged prostate, book your consultation today with Healing Hands Clinic — and take back control of your life with confidence and care.
Frequently asked questions
How long will I require a catheter following BPH surgery?
Most patients require a catheter for 1–3 days after surgery to facilitate bladder drainage and minimize irritation with early healing.
What should I expect during urination after BPH surgery?
At first, you may feel burning or frequent urination, which will usually resolve within a few weeks as the healing process occurs.
Do I have to alter my lifestyle after BPH treatment?
Yes—avoid caffeine and alcohol, no nighttime fluids, maintain weight, and do bladder training exercises. Check-ups are recommended.
Will BPH come back after surgery?
In most instances, the symptoms significantly improve, though there is a remote possibility of regrowth after many years. Prevention of complications occurs by maintaining lifestyle and regular follow-up evaluation.