Enlarged Prostate: Causes and Symptoms
The health issue known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects more men as they age. Another name for it is an enlarged prostate. A prostate is a small gland that aids in the production of semen. It is situated just below the bladder, and as you age, it frequently grows larger.
An enlarged prostate tends to be bothersome; it may block the passage of urine from the bladder. It may also result in kidney, urinary system, or bladder health issues.
What Is an Enlarged Prostate?
The prostate gland produces some of the fluid used to carry sperm during ejaculation. The channel via which urine exits the body, the urethra, is surrounded by the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate indicates that the gland has expanded. As men age, virtually all experience prostate enlargement.
BPH is the term used frequently to describe an enlarged prostate. It is neither cancer nor increases your chance of developing prostate cancer.
Causes
Prostate enlargement’s actual cause is unclear. The development of the gland and testosterone levels may be affected by elements associated with age and modifications in the testicular cells. BPH does not occur in men who had their testicles removed when they were young due to testicular cancer.
Additionally, if a man has his testicles removed after developing BPH, his prostate starts to get smaller. It should be considered that this is not a conventional prostate enlargement therapy. For the latest treatment methods, visit Dynamiq Urology.
Symptoms
Common BPH signs and symptoms include:
- The bladder not being able to drain completely
- Dribbling after the last urinal passage
- Frequent or urgent desire to urinate
- Having trouble urinating
- More frequent peeing during the night
- Weak urine stream or intermittent urine flow
Less typical signs include:
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Unable to relieve oneself
- Urine containing blood
The signs and symptoms of BPH typically worsen with time. However, occasionally they stay the same over time and even get better. The severity of the symptoms isn’t necessarily based on the prostate’s size. Significant symptoms can occur in some men with moderately enlarged prostates. Minor issues might arise in men with significantly enlarged prostates. Additionally, some men with enlarged prostates have no symptoms at all.
Who Is at Risk for BPH?
There are several BPH risk factors. Those men who are more vulnerable are:
- BPH risk increases with age in men over 50
- Males whose fathers have BPH
- Males with excess weight or obesity issue
- Males who aren’t active
- Males who experience erectile dysfunction (ED)
Treatments
BPH can benefit from several treatments; these include prescription drugs or surgeries. You can choose wisely with the help of your urologist. The best choice relies on factors like:
- Your symptoms
- How big is your prostate
- Other health issues
Is There Another Treatment Available?
One treatment that is gaining popularity is Rezum therapy. This minimally invasive technique has substantially reduced BPH symptoms when using this new steam treatment for BPH. Rezum is a novel treatment option for people unsatisfied with their current treatment alternatives for treating BPH. The only options for treating BPH for many years were drugs or surgery.
How Rezum Therapy Works?
If you undergo the Rezum prostate procedure, you will not need ongoing therapy since it may be finished in one session. It operates by sending extremely tiny quantities of steam to the enlarged prostate. This procedure damages the obstruction-causing cells, hence shrinking the prostate generally and easing BPH symptoms.
When to Visit the Doctor?
Even if your symptoms don’t concern you, talk to your doctor about them. It’s critical to determine whether any reasons are treatable. A harmful urinary tract obstruction might increase in the absence of therapy. Seek immediate medical attention if you are unable to urinate.
