Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, is a noncancerous condition where the prostate gland grows in size, which can obstruct the flow of urine through the urethra. While it’s common for men to experience prostate enlargement with age, many men may not have noticeable symptoms.

If BPH leads to bothersome urinary issues, your doctor can suggest various treatment options. At Golden Gate Urology, our urologists take a comprehensive approach, considering factors such as other medical conditions, lifestyle, and patient preferences to tailor the best treatment plan for you.

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Causes

An enlarged prostate can obstruct urine flow and lead to urinary symptoms. While the exact cause of an enlarged prostate is not known, it’s common for the prostate to continue growing throughout a man’s life. Testosterone is known to influence prostate cell growth, and the likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age. Additional risk factors for BPH include:

  • Family history of enlarged prostate
  • Diabetes and heart disease
  • Obesity

If you’re experiencing urinary issues, it’s important to consult with your doctor.

Diagnosis

Many men with an enlarged prostate may not have symptoms. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and perform a physical examination of the prostate. Diagnostic tests may include urine and blood tests, as well as a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. Other evaluations, such as urinary flow tests, ultrasounds, and possibly a prostate biopsy, may be conducted to rule out prostate cancer.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate may include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Incontinence
  • Slow or weak urinary stream
  • Painful urination
  • Frequent nighttime urination
  • Sudden urge to urinate

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms and other medical conditions. Your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your age, prostate size, overall health, and symptom severity.

  • Active Surveillance: If symptoms are minimal, watchful waiting may be advised.
  • Medication: Commonly prescribed for BPH symptoms, medications include alpha-blockers that relax muscles to ease urination and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that shrink the prostate.
  • Rezum: A minimally invasive therapy that uses water vapor to shrink the prostate. Performed in the office, Rezum can alleviate symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, weak urine stream, and excessive nighttime urination. [More Info +]
  • Urolift: This procedure involves implanting a device to lift prostate tissue and widen the urethra, helping to relieve symptoms. [More Info +]
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery: If medication is ineffective, surgery may be recommended to remove part of the prostate or address any obstructions.

FAQs

How common is it to have an enlarged prostate?

Enlarged prostate affects more men as they get older. Enlarged prostate affects 50% of men in the 60s and 90% of men in their 80s.

Are some men more likely to be diagnosed with an enlarged prostate?

As men age, they are more likely to develop an enlarged prostate. Enlarged prostate risk is increased with family history of enlarged prostate and history of heart disease.

What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

Not all men show symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate can include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Incontinence
  • A slow or weak urine stream
  • Pain with urination
  • Frequent urination at night
  • Sudden urge to urinate

How is an enlarged prostate treated?

Depending on patient factors such as age, general health, and the severity of symptoms, enlarged prostate may be treated with active surveillance, medication or minimally invasive surgery.