The prostate is a small gland found under the bladder. It encircles the urethra, a tube that carries urine out of a male’s body. With age, the shape and size of the prostate may gradually enlarge. It presses on the urethra, resulting in urinary issues. It results in a non-cancerous enlargement known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly known as an enlarged prostate.
An enlarged prostate affects men above 50 years of age. The condition continues to increase with advancing age. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms so you can take timely action.
Signs and Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
While some men with an enlarged prostate do not notice symptoms, others may not have symptoms at all. Numerous other reasons, such as lifestyle factors, anxiety, medicines, and other health issues, may also cause such symptoms. If you have been experiencing the following signs for a long time, it is advised to visit your healthcare professional for further investigation.
- Weak flow while urinating or inability to urinate
- A feeling that the bladder hasn’t been emptied properly
- An urge to urinate more often, especially at night
- Dribbling urine after you have finished urinating
- Incontinence
- Pain during urination
- Blood in urine
Causes of Enlarged Prostate
While the exact cause of an enlarged prostate remains unknown, there may be a few factors that increase the risk of developing this condition.
- Age: Age is the most common factor in an enlarged prostate. The chances of this condition increase as you get older. Men over 50 years have an enlarged prostate, and it may be with or without symptoms.
- Hormone Levels: The balance of hormones in the body may also be associated with this condition. Your hormones change as you grow older, which may sometimes cause the prostate to grow.
- Other Factors: According to studies, obese men with diabetes are more likely to develop an enlarged prostate. A sedentary lifestyle may be another factor that increases the likelihood of this condition.
Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate
The treatments for an enlarged prostate come in different forms. While conventional methods remain effective, several of the latest treatment options and breakthrough technologies may resolve the symptoms of this condition faster than other methods.
Latest Treatment Options
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
Prostate artery embolization, or PAE, is a minimally invasive and non-surgical treatment for an enlarged prostate. It uses X-rays to guide the delivery of prostate artery embolization directly to the prostate. The procedure prohibits the flow of blood to the prostate gland, thereby causing it to shrink in size.
Men with persistent urinary issues may be candidates for this procedure. Under it, the surgeon inserts a catheter through the wrist and guides it to the prostate. The X-ray beads are sent to the gland to restrict the blood flow. You will be given sedation so you don’t feel discomfort while the professional performs this procedure.
Optilume BPH Catheter System
It is another minimally invasive treatment option for an enlarged prostate. This system utilizes a double-lobe balloon technology to reduce pressure on the urethra to improve urinary flow rates. This latest method for enlarged prostate treatment was approved by the FDA in 2023 and has a high success rate.
According to studies, it provides immediate and sustained improvements in patients with mild to severe symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Surgical Treatment Options
If the above-listed procedures do not come to your rescue, the surgeon may perform one of the following types of surgeries to treat prostate enlargement. While some of these surgeries are minimally invasive, others may follow a more traditional approach.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- Transurethral vaporisation of the prostate (TUVP)
- Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)
- Open prostatectomy
- Bladder neck incision
Other Treatment Options
Lifestyle Changes
If an enlarged prostate is not causing too much discomfort, you may want to wait before undergoing a surgical treatment. The healthcare professional will suggest that you make important lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms.
- Cut the consumption of caffeine from your diet.
- Do not consume artificial sweeteners and fizzy drinks, as they may irritate the bladder, worsening your symptoms.
- Check your medicines as certain antidepressants are linked to worsening the symptoms.
- Eat more fibre in your diet to avoid constipation, which may put pressure on the enlarged prostate.
- Exercise regularly and lose some weight, as obese people are more vulnerable to developing this condition.
- Take medicines as prescribed to keep the prostate health in check and visit the healthcare provider for follow-up appointments.
Takeaway
An enlarged prostate is a common condition in men, and many of them ignore urinary symptoms, assuming them to be a normal part of aging. It is vital to identify the condition in its developing stage so you may get the right treatment to manage it. Thanks to the introduction of the latest treatment options, enlarged treatment may be managed properly and improve your overall quality of life. Consult a urologist at the right time to ensure better outcomes and long-term relief.
Recent Comments