Key Takeaways:
- Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition among men over the age of 50.
- Its prevalence increases with age and there is a genetic link to developing an enlarged prostate. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, frequent trips to the bathroom, blood in the urine and painful urination.
- Treatment for an enlarged prostate depends on the severity of the diagnosis, and Advanced Urology Institute offers various treatments and personalized care for each individual.
Enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition among men over the age of 50 in which the prostate grows larger than normal. The prostate is an important organ in overall men’s health as it produces a thick, milky fluid that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. It’s essential to understand the causes and symptoms of an enlarged prostate in order to take the necessary steps to diagnose and treat the problem.
The main cause of an enlarged prostate is age. Its prevalence steadily increases in men over the age of 50, with the majority of men over 80 having the condition. Besides age, there is also a genetic link to developing an enlarged prostate, meaning men with a family history of BPH are more likely to have the condition. Men who have a diet high in fat, red meat and dairy, as well as those who regularly consume alcohol, may have an increased risk of developing an enlarged prostate.
Various symptoms may indicate an enlarged prostate. The most common signs are difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, frequent trips to the bathroom, blood in the urine and painful urination. Other symptoms can include difficulty getting an erection, interrupted urination and even incontinence. It’s important to be aware of these symptoms in order to make an appointment with a specialist to determine the best course of action.
If you’re experiencing the tell-tale signs of an enlarged prostate, make an appointment with your local physician to diagnose the issues. They will perform a physical exam and collect a sample of your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to detect any warning signs. They may also carry out a urine flow test and ultrasound to determine whether it’s an enlarged prostate or if something else is at fault.
The treatments for an enlarged prostate depend on the severity of the diagnosis. Generally, a urologist will recommend dietary and lifestyle changes such as reducing fat and red meat consumption, along with plenty of water. Certain medications such as alpha blockers can also be used to reduce the size of the enlarged prostate and improve current symptoms. In more severe cases, surgery may be the only way to treat the condition.
In conclusion, enlarged prostate is a common condition among men over the age of 50 and it’s important to understand its causes and symptoms. Early detection and treatment of an enlarged prostate is essential in order to reduce its severity so it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist to determine the best course of action. Advanced Urology Institute is the largest urology practice in Florida and offers various treatments for enlarged prostate with cutting-edge technologies and minimally invasive surgical techniques. They are dedicated to helping patients and provide personalized care for each individual, so make an appointment today to start your journey to better prostate health.
References:
- “BPH Symptoms: What Are The Signs Of An Enlarged Prostate?.” 13 Dec. 2022, https://www.webmd.com/men/prostate-enlargement-bph/enlarged-prostate-your-bph-symptoms-score.
- “Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – Diagnosis and treatment.” 21 Feb. 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370093.
- “The growing problem of an enlarged prostate gland – Harvard Health.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/the-growing-problem-of-an-enlarged-prostate-gland.
