Doctor's Notes on Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Enlargement of the prostate gland in men is most commonly due to benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH). This is a nonmalignant (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate gland, a common occurrence in older men. It is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cancer of the prostate is another possible cause of an enlarged prostate gland.
Enlargement of the prostate gland due to any cause leads to symptoms and signs caused by the prostate gland compressing the urethra (urine tube) that runs through the gland. Common symptoms are a slow flow of urine and the need to urinate frequently. Other associated symptoms include
- difficulty starting the urine stream,
- having to wake up at night to urinate,
- feeling unable to fully empty the bladder,
- having to strain to urinate, or
- having to start and stop when urinating are other signals of an enlarged prostate gland.
What is the treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Treatment for BPH is individualized based on the degree of enlargement of the gland, the severity of symptoms that may be present, and the overall health and age of the patient. Treatments can include:
- Alpha-blocker medications to make urination easier
- Medications are known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can shrink the prostate
- Transurethral surgical procedures such as transurethral resection or incision of the prostate
- Laser therapy to remove part of the gland
- Transurethral needle ablation procedures
- Transurethral microwave therapy
- A prostatic urethral lift procedure to increase urine flow
- Prostatectomy, or removal of the prostate gland
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate) Quiz
QuestionThe prostate is about the size of a _____________.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
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Can You Prevent Prostate Cancer?
There isn't a specific way to prevent prostate cancer, but there are several healthy habits men can practice in order to lower their risk. These include a healthy diet and weight, regular exercise, and taking certain supplements and medications. -
How Can I Regain Erectile Function After Prostatectomy?
Patients may resume sexual activity which can help stimulate the nerves and help with recovery one month after a prostatectomy (prostate removal surgery). Medications that can help restore erectile function include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). Other therapies may be used for erectile dysfunction, including the Muse urethral suppository, a vacuum pump, or the Caverject injection. -
How Do I Know If My Prostate Is Bad?
Painful urination and/or ejaculation, trouble with either or both of those, and even blood in urine or semen may indicate a problem with the prostate gland. -
Is Prostate Surgery Major Surgery?
Prostate surgery (prostatectomy) is a procedure used to remove the prostate (or part of the prostate), and is most often performed to treat prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostate surgery is a major surgery with an extended recovery period. -
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms. Screening includes a digital rectal examination, PSA, and urinalysis. Treatment depends upon age, the patient's medical condition, and whether the tumor has metastasized. Risk factors for prostate cancer include advanced age, race, family history, infection with STDs, high-fat diet, and chemical exposure. -
Prostatitis vs. Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Signs
Prostate cancer and prostatitis both cause difficulty forming a normal stream of urine, painful ejaculation, and frequent urination. However, prostate cancer may also occasionally cause hematuria and erectile dysfunction. -
What Is the Difference Between Prostatectomy vs. Radical Prostatectomy?
After prostate removal (radical prostatectomy), you need to spend a night in the hospital and keep in the urinary catheter for 10 days. Avoid strenuous activity, including taking off work, for about a month if the surgery has no complications. -
What Percentage of Prostate Biopsies Are Cancer?
Prostate cancer is caused by an abnormal overgrowth of cells in the prostate. A prostate biopsy is used to diagnose prostate cancer, of which 75% are found to be non-cancerous. -
What to Expect After Prostate Removal (Prostatectomy)
After your prostate is removed, you’ll have to spend a day in the hospital, followed by a week or more of home recovery with a urinary catheter inserted. Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction may be side effects of the surgery.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.