Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as enlarged prostate, is a common condition characterized by a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate in men over 45 years of age. The degree to which the prostate grows is not the same for everyone. This condition may make the urethra narrow, causing difficulty with urination. The complications arising from this problem include recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, bladder or kidney damage, and other problems with urination.
It is important to be watchful of the symptoms and visit a urologist as you experience them frequently. Depending on the severity, they may suggest a suitable treatment option.
What are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?
The symptoms of an enlarged prostate may vary in terms of severity. The symptoms often start slowly and begin to progress over time. Common signs include the following:
- Frequent urination or the feeling to urinate more often than usual, especially during the day
- A sudden or strong urge to urinate that becomes difficult to control or delay
- Increased frequency of urination during the night
- A less forceful flow of urine
- Difficulty starting urination or a delay between trying to urinate and the flow of urine
- Intermittent urine or a flow that starts and stops multiple times
- Needing to push or strain to empty the bladder
- Leaking urine after finishing
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying even after urinating.
How is an enlarged prostate diagnosed?
An enlarged prostate needs to be diagnosed in its early stages because, for some patients, it may result in bladder or kidney damage, urinary tract infections, or incontinence when left untreated. Besides discussing the symptoms you may have been experiencing, the urologist will confirm the diagnosis of this condition in the following ways.
Urine Flow Study
This test involves measuring the amount of urine with a special device. The physical detection reduced the flow associated with BPH.
Digital Rectal Examination
A gloved finger will be inserted into the rectum to feel the back of the prostate. It is usually done to check for lumps and bumps.
Prostate-Specific Antigen Blood Test
Elevated levels of PSA in the blood may occur due to an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
Cystoscopy
A thin tube with a tiny camera will be inserted through the opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis. The camera will allow the physician to inspect the inside of the prostate, bladder, and urethral channel.
Transrectal Ultrasound and Prostate Biopsy
The doctor may order this test in case there is a suspicion of prostate cancer. They will use an ultrasound probe to get the images of the prostate and guide a biopsy needle into the organ to receive a small piece of tissue for further examination. This test may also be ordered to understand the size of the prostate and to plan a surgery in case it is found enlarged.
Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The doctor may suggest an MRI to get the views of the entire prostate with soft tissue contrast.
How is an enlarged prostate treated?
If the reports of the tests suggest an enlarged prostate, the urologist may devise a treatment plan based on the severity of the condition. There are various effective treatment options available, including the following.
Medications
Several types of medications will be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of this condition.
- Alpha-blockers: Alpha-blockers help relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier for you to urinate.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: These medications may be prescribed to shrink the prostate gland over time.
- Combination therapy: In some cases, the urologist may prescribe combination medications along with other medications to help control the symptoms.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
If medications do not improve the symptoms of the condition or if your symptoms are moderate to severe, the urologist may choose from the following treatment options.
- Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy: Also known as TUMT, this procedure uses microwave energy to heat and destroy excess prostate tissue.
- Transurethral Needle Ablation: This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to ablate excess prostate tissue.
- Water Vapor Thermal Therapy: The treatment uses controlled water vapour injections to reduce the enlarged tissue.
- Prostatic Urethral Lift: The urologist places small implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way of the urethra.
- Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device: A temporary device is placed in the urethra to improve the flow of urine and to reshape the prostate tissue.
Surgical Procedures
If minimally invasive methods do not come to the rescue or if your condition has advanced, the urologist will perform the following surgical procedures:
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: This traditional surgery is used to remove excess prostate tissue through the urethra.
- Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: Laser energy will be used to remove or ablate excess prostate tissue.
- Simple Prostatectomy: The surgeon may perform an open or robotic surgical procedure to remove the inner part of the prostate gland.
Takeaway
An enlarged prostate may be an alarming condition when it reaches its advanced stage. It is, therefore, essential to be watchful of the symptoms and visit a urologist immediately as you start experiencing them. The professional may treat the condition using minimally invasive options or surgical procedures.
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