Enlarged Prostate Short Guide
The prostate is a muscular gland of walnut size that plays a pivotal role in male reproductive health. Positioned beneath your bladder, it generates a fluid that nourishes and safeguards sperm. During ejaculation, the prostate contracts, propelling semen through the urethra.
What Leads to an Enlarged Prostate?
Numerous conditions can lead to an enlarged prostate. This can result from an infection, injury, or even cancer. However, the most prevalent cause of an enlarged prostate is aging.
The prostate gland continues to grow throughout one’s lifetime. In some men, the prostate can expand excessively, causing discomfort and frequent, impaired urination. This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
What are the Indications of an Enlarged Prostate?
Most symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate are related to the bladder and urinary tract. As the prostate enlarges, it exerts increased pressure on the bladder, and the urethra’s passageway narrows.
Symptoms include:
- Frequent Urination
- Weak or Slow Stream
- Difficulty in Urinating
- Dribbling
- Nighttime Urination
- Incomplete Bladder Emptying
An enlarged prostate can make it harder to empty the bladder, increasing your susceptibility to urinary tract infections.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of an enlarged prostate, it’s crucial to consult with the experienced urologists at Skyline Urology at the earliest.
What is Prostate Cancer?
While most cases of an enlarged prostate are benign, it’s not always so. Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men. About one in every nine men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Prostate cancer triggers abnormal growth in the prostate, leading to harmful tumors and lesions. Prostate cancer symptoms can resemble those of an enlarged prostate, so it’s vital to seek immediate medical care if you observe changes in your bladder functions.
How is an Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed?
Your diagnosis begins with a discussion about your symptoms and medical history. Then, your doctor conducts a physical examination to evaluate your overall health. Your Skyline Urology provider might also perform:
Urine Test
A urine test is utilized to rule out conditions like urinary tract infections as the cause of your enlarged prostate.
A Prostate-Specific Antigen Blood Test
This test checks your Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Increased PSA levels suggest an enlarged prostate.
Digital Rectal Exam
The rectal exam is used to gauge the size of the prostate and check for any tumors or abnormalities.
How is an Enlarged Prostate Treated?
Treatment for an enlarged prostate can range from medication to no treatment at all, depending on its cause. Your doctor’s approach depends on your age, the size of your prostate, and your overall health.
If your symptoms are manageable, your provider might recommend a watchful waiting approach to observe your prostate without immediate intervention.
At Skyline Urology, the team specializes in minimally invasive options for treating enlarged prostates, including Urolift and Rezum. The doctors will discuss the most suitable treatment option based on your overall health and evaluation.