Overview

The prostate is a gland responsible for producing a portion of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation. The prostate gland encircles the urethra, the tube thru which urine leaves the body.

As a man ages, the prostate goes through two distinct phases of development. The first is the enlargement of the prostate during the first years of adolescence. The second growth starts around the age of 25 and lasts for the greater part of a man’s life. It is common for men to experience prostate enlargement as they get older.

What Is Prostate Enlargement?

When the prostate gland grows in size, it is referred to as an enlarged prostate or Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is not a cancerous condition, nor does it increase your chance of developing prostate cancer.

What Causes Prostate Enlargement?

The cause of BPH is not precisely known; however, some experts suggest that ageing and testicular factors may contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Men with the following factors are more likely to develop prostate enlargement:

• Age 40 years and older.
• Family history of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Medical conditions such as obesity, heart and circulatory disease, and type 2 diabetes.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Erectile dysfunction.

The development of benign prostatic hyperplasia is also prevented in men whose testicles were removed prior to puberty.

What Are The Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate?

Initially, the signs of BPH may be quite mild; however, if left untreated, they can progress to a more severe condition. Symptoms include:

• Insufficient bladder emptying.
• Nocturia or frequent urination during the night.
• A weak stream of urine that dribbles out at the end.
• Incontinence or urine leakage.
• Urinary straining.
• Irregular or weak urination.
• A sudden urge to urinate.
• A sluggish or delayed urinary flow.
• Painful urination.
• The presence of blood in the urine.

Prostate Enlargement Diagnosis

Your doctor will likely start by conducting a physical exam and gathering your medical history in order to diagnose BPH. Rectal examination is a part of the physical exam that helps the doctor determine the approximate size and form of your prostate. Other medical testing may involve:

• Urinalysis: Analysing urine samples for the presence of blood and bacteria.
• Urodynamic test: To determine the pressure inside your bladder, a catheter is used to fill your bladder with liquid.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This blood test is used to detect prostate cancer.
• Post-void residual: This determines how much urine remains in the bladder after urination.
• Cystoscopy: This involves inserting a small, lighted scope into your urethra to examine your urethra and bladder.

How To Treat Prostate Enlargement?

Self-care and alterations to the way of life are excellent starting points for treating BPH. Medication or surgery may be suggested if the symptoms persist. Your treatment will be based on a number of factors, including your age and overall health.

Lifestyle Changes

You may find relief from your BPH symptoms by implementing certain lifestyle changes or taking certain actions. A few examples are as follows:

• Urinating immediately upon feeling the need.
• Keeping away from alcohol and coffee, especially after dinner.
• Practising Stress relief therapy, as anxiety has been shown to increase urination.
• Maintaining Physical activity on a regular basis.
• Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles through the practice of Kegel exercises.
• Medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics should be avoided or used with caution.

Medications

A doctor may prescribe medication if the patient does not find relief from their symptoms after making lifestyle modifications. Treatment of BPH symptoms and the condition itself can be achieved using a variety of available medications, including:

• Alpha-1 blockers.
• Hormone reduction medications.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive procedures can eliminate prostate tissue or enlarge the urethra, relieving urinary retention and obstruction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. These procedures include:

• Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA): Radio waves are used to scar and reduce the size of the prostate.
• Ransurethral microwave therapy (TUMT): Prostate tissue can be destroyed with microwave energy.
• Transurethral water vapor therapy (Rezūm): Excess prostate tissue can be eliminated with the use of water vapour.
• Water-induced thermotherapy (WIT): The extra prostate tissue is eliminated using heated water.
• High-intensity focused ultrasonography (HIFU): The prostate can be reshaped using sonic energy to get rid of any extra tissue.
• Urolift: To avoid urethral obstruction, an enlarged prostate may be surgically elevated using implants.
• Surgery

Urologists may advise removing the enlarged prostate tissue or performing cuts in the prostate to expand the urethra as a permanent solution for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): A tiny instrument is inserted via the urethra into the prostate. Thereafter, the prostate is dissected out and surgically removed.
• Simple prostatectomy: Your physician makes an incision in your abdomen or perineum, the region behind your scrotum. The interior section of the prostate is removed, leaving only the outside. After this treatment, you may be required to spend up to ten days in the hospital.
• Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP): this procedure does not involve having the prostate removed like in a TURP. Instead, your urethra and bladder outlet are enlarged via a tiny incision in the prostate. As a result of the cut, urine can now flow more easily.