Learn About Enlarged Prostate and How We Can Help.
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Self Care
What is an Enlarged Prostate?
Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
The most common enlarged prostate symptoms are:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty stopping and starting urination
- Inability to drain bladder completely
- Urgency to urinate
- Straining to urinate
During an online consultation for an enlarged prostate, a doctor can assess symptoms by asking the patient about their urinary symptoms and medical history. The doctor may ask about the frequency and urgency of urination and any difficulty starting or stopping urination. The doctor may also ask about any pain or discomfort during urination or ejaculation, as well as any blood in the urine or semen. The doctor may also ask about the patient’s overall health, including any other conditions or medications impacting their urinary symptoms. Additionally, the doctor may perform a physical examination and order further testing such as a urinalysis, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, or ultrasound to help confirm a diagnosis.In some cases, an enlarged prostate may also cause urinary tract infections, kidney damage, or bladder stones. Suppose you are feeling any of these symptoms. In that case, speaking with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment is essential.
Enlarged Prostate Causes
What causes an enlarged prostate, you may ask? The exact causes of prostate enlargement are not fully understood. Still, it is thought to be related to hormonal changes as men age. As men age, their bodies produce less male hormone testosterone and more female hormone estrogen. This imbalance of hormones may contribute to the growth of the prostate gland.
Other factors that can potentially increase the risk of an enlarged prostate include a family history of BPH (Benign prostatic hyperplasia), age, certain medications, obesity, sedentary lifestyle.
It is important to note that an enlarged prostate is not the same as prostate cancer. While an enlarged prostate may cause similar symptoms, it is a benign (non-cancerous) condition and is treated differently than cancer. Read on to learn about the signs of an enlarged prostate gland.
How is an Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed?
You will be asked to perform a particular set of tests for prostate enlargement, like the BPH diagnosis (Benign prostatic hyperplasia). Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment for your enlarged prostate based on those results.
What is the Best Treatment for Enlarged Prostate?
- Medications: Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can help relax the prostate and reduce symptoms.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser therapy can remove excess prostate tissue.
- Surgery: Open prostatectomy or robotic prostatectomy can be used to remove the entire prostate gland.
- Watchful waiting: Watchful waiting is an option for a patient with mild symptoms that are not bothersome or if they are not progressing.
Ask Your Question
Self Care Instructions for Enlarged Prostate
Self-care is important in managing an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some self-care measures that may help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life include:
- Drinking plenty of water: Drinking enough fluids, especially water, can help reduce the need to urinate frequently and prevent urinary tract infections.
- Timing urination: Try to urinate at regular intervals rather than waiting until the urge to urinate becomes overwhelming.
- Avoiding triggers: Certain foods and drinks, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, can exacerbate symptoms of BPH. Avoiding or limiting these triggers may help alleviate symptoms.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve overall health and may help alleviate symptoms of BPH.
- Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate symptoms; learn to manage stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or yoga.
- Seeking medical advice: If symptoms are severe or there is blood in urine, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
It is also important to note that self-care measures should be used in conjunction with any medical treatments prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Ongo Care Team
The care team for patients with an enlarged prostate at Ongo Care includes a variety of healthcare professionals, depending on the individual’s specific needs and treatment plan. Some of the healthcare professionals we may involve in the care of patients with an enlarged prostate include:
- Specialist Urologist
- Primary care doctor
- Nurse practitioner or physician assistant
- Nurses
- Physical therapist
- Other specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I avoid with an enlarged prostate?
Several lifestyle changes may help you manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and improve your quality of life. These may include:
- Limiting fluids before bedtime
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Going to the bathroom when you feel the urge
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
It is also essential to follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan and take any prescribed medications as directed. If you have any queries, questions, or concerns about your treatment or lifestyle modifications, speak with your healthcare provider.
What can make enlarged prostate worse?
Several factors may contribute to the progression of an enlarged prostate and worsen symptoms. These may include:
- Aging
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
Speaking with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing worsening symptoms or any new symptoms related to an enlarged prostate is essential. They can help determine the cause of the worsening symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.
How long can an enlarged prostate last?
Men with an enlarged prostate may experience mild symptoms that do not progress or interfere with their daily activities. In other cases, the condition may cause more severe symptoms that interfere with the quality of life. The length of time that an enlarged prostate lasts will depend on various factors, including the individual’s age, overall health, and the treatment received.
It is crucial and advisable to speak with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Early detection and treatment can help manage the condition and prevent complications.
Is the treatment of enlarged prostate covered by insurance?
How Can we Prevent a Recurrence of BPH?
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Eating a healthy diet
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Monitoring symptoms
- Medication
- Watchful waiting
What's the recovery process of an enlarged prostate?
Who can treat enlarged prostate?
How can I reduce my prostate enlargement?
- Medication
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Surgery
- Watchful waiting
Does having benign prostatic hyperplasia increase the risk of prostate cancer?
What can/can't I eat If I have an enlarged prostate problem?
If you have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)), certain foods may exacerbate your symptoms, and it is best to avoid or limit them.
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods
- High-sugar foods and drinks
- Processed food
On the other hand, eating a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low in saturated and trans fats may help reduce symptoms of BPH and promote overall health. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, can be beneficial. Additionally, drinking enough fluids, especially water, can help reduce the need to urinate frequently and prevent urinary tract infections.
It is important to note that diet’s effects on BPH may vary from person to person, and it’s always optimal to consult a professional healthcare service before making any significant dietary changes.