What is Enlarged Prostate?

When the gland (prostate) grows bigger than its ideal size, it is called an enlarged prostate. In medical terms, it is also referred to as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). This condition is not related to signify any cancer.

An enlarged prostate can cause difficulty in passing urine. At times, it can impact the stream of the urine, making it irregular and weak. This can also lead to some types of infection, the formation of stones in the bladder, or the impact of kidney function.

Causes and Risk factors of Enlarged Prostate

To date, the exact cause behind the enlargement of the prostate is unidentified. It is often linked with changes in hormones that take place as a man reaches old age.

  • Age

    Hormonal changes can happen in man as they cross 40 years of age, leading to enlargement of the prostate gland.

  • Family History

    A man is more likely to develop this problem if his father or brother has had a history of prostate related-issues.

  • Obesity

    The higher the body mass index of a man, the higher risk

  • Diabetes

    Obesity can also lead to RCC.

  • Heart-related disease

    High blood pressure in men can also lead to RCC. High blood pressure is also called hypertension.

  • Lifestyle, including diet, etc.

    Painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen have been linked to the growth of RCC. Pain killers that contain phenacetin have been banned in the US for more than 25 years now.

Symptoms of Enlarged Prostrate

Some common symptoms of an enlarged prostate are:

  • 1Difficulty in starting pee.
  • 2Application of more pressure to pass urine
  • 3A weak flow of urine
  • 4Pauses in between urination, like ‘start-stop’ peeing.
  • 5Urge to pee more frequently, especially during night
  • 6Pee leakage

When to see a Specialist

You must consult a doctor whenever you find some trouble in urinating. Even if it is not painful, it is important to rule out any complications that may be disturbing the normal flow of your urine.

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Diagnosis of Enlarged Prostate

It is critical to detect BPH in its early stage. If not diagnosed at the earliest, BPH can cause more health problems such as UTI, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and more. During the test, the doctor will also help distinguish between the symptoms of prostate enlargement and cancer. Some tests that your doctor would recommend are:

  • Uroflowmetry

    Measures the progression of urine. It tracks how quick urine streams, what amount of time it takes to stream out, and how long it requires for the process. It's a demonstrative test to survey how well the urinary tract works. Your primary care physician may recommend uroflowmetry if you experience difficulty urinating or have a low stream.

  • Digital rectal examination (DRE)

    Your doctor will use his gloved finger to check any prostate size anomalies by inserting it in the rectum. The back of the prostate contacts the rectum lining, and any change in size or lump can be felt with this process.

  • Blood test for Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

    Serum PSA level can help differentiate between BPH and prostate cancer.

  • Cystoscopy

    Advanced medical science has made it possible to insert a tiny camera called a cystoscope with a thin tube. It is inserted via the urethra's opening, and it helps the physician to look inside the urethra channel, bladder and prostrate for any issues.

BPH (Enlarged Prostrate) Treatment

Even though it is not completely curable, but Medical treatment of BPH is very important. Treatment can help you experience fewer difficulties and avoid further health problems that untreated BPH can lead to.

There are three ways to manage BPH:

  • Observing the symptoms

    When BPH is not causing any pain and any other trouble, the patient is often advised to keep a watch on their symptoms. Along with keeping an eye on it personally, patients are also recommended to undertake some annual tests to detect any growth. The patients here are also advised to avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine. They are also encouraged to empty their bladder completely as and when they pass urine. It is advisable not to suppress the signs to pass urine and attend to the natures call urgently.

  • Medicines

    In this, two types of medicines are used. The first type is to relax the muscles near the prostate, and the second type is for shrinking the prostate gland. In most cases, medicines have shown success in managing and controlling the symptoms of BPH.

  • BPH surgery

    Surgery is only advisable if the symptoms have grown and are causing trouble. And if the medicines are not working.

    Types of BPH surgeries:

    • TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate): Many doctors prefer this surgery for its simplicity. In this, the doctor uses a medical device to reach the prostrate and trim the extra mass.
    • TUIP (transurethral incision of the prostate): This type of surgery is the same as TURP but is preferred if the enlarged prostate's size is bigger. It is performed by applying cuts in the prostate to relieve pressure without trimming any tissue. There is no side-effects of this surgery, too.
    • HOLEP: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate If the size of the gland has gone above 100 gms, this surgery is preferable. Under this process, a small section of the gland is removed to arrive at optimum gland size.

FAQs about Enlarged Prostrate

  • What causes prostate enlargement?

    There is no specific cause to why it happens. However, it is believed that hormonal changes can cause prostate glands to expand in size.

  • Can it be Cured?

    No, it can’t be cured, but steps can be taken to control it depending upon its size. First, doctors take help of medicines to control it, and if it doesn’t work, then surgery is recommended.

  • Can you feel an enlarged prostate?

    No, but you can watch out for some signs that can indicate enlargement of the prostate gland. These symptoms are - A weak and/or slow urinary stream; applying more pressure to pee; increased urge to pee.

  • Does increasing the water intake help prostate?

    Yes, it is recommended to drink more fresh water to have a healthy prostate.

  • Can an enlarged prostate affect a man sexually?

    Yes, it can cause some issues in sex life, including Erectile dysfunction. It also reduces sex drive and decreases sexual satisfaction.

  • What should you avoid when detected with an enlarged prostate?

    Alcohol and caffeine must be avoided. In diet, meat and dairy must be avoided.

  • Can a man live without a prostate?

    Yes, you can, but there will be side-effects. However, in worst-case scenarios such as the chances of prostate cancer or the abnormal size of the gland, doctors recommend removal of the prostate.

  • Can you check yourself for enlarged prostate?

    Yes, with the help from a home-based PSA blood test, you can easily test yourself for prostate cancer. However, it is recommended to visit a doctor for a correct course of action.

  • How to keep a check on an enlarged prostate?

    If the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is between one-two, it is recommended to get tested every two years. If PSA is above 3, you must consult a doctor.

  • Is an enlarged prostate cancerous?

    No, it is not. Enlargement of the prostate is not related to cancer. Enlargement of the gland takes place in a different part of the gland than where cancer develops. However, it is possible to have both prostate cancer and enlarged prostate at the same time.

Urologist, Uro Recostructive and Uro Oncosurgeon with 12+ years of experience.

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