The prostate is found in the male reproductive system and is the gland that produces some of the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes to get out of the body.

An enlargement in the prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all males as they get older. It is also often called benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The actual main cause of prostate enlargement is unknown at this time. However, the factors linked to aging and changes in the cells of the testicles may have a role in the growth of the gland, as well as testosterone levels.

The prostate gland is small at first and has two main phases of growth. It begins to double in size during the male’s teenage years, then continues to grow again after they turn 25 throughout the rest of their life.

An excessively enlarged prostate results in a disease which is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. An enlarged prostate can clamp down on the urethra and restrict the flow of your urine from your bladder. An excessively enlarged prostate can lead to several problems such as:

– Frequent urination
– Difficulty in voiding
– Urinary leakage
– Urinary tract infection

However, there are several treatment options for an enlarged prostate. Your doctor can offer a medication treatment with dutasteride (Avodart) or finasteride (Proscar), a different kind of medication for reducing benign prostatic hyperplasia. These block the hormones that cause the prostate to continue to grow.

You might also be recommended to take the two different types of medications, or have surgery to remove the extra prostate tissue. A common surgical procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia is known as transurethral resection of the prostate.

Benign prostate hyperplasia can cause potentially severe medical consequences if left untreated. These issues may include bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and incontinence. Other issues can also offer serious problems including blood in the urine or urinary retention.

Urinary retention is the sudden and complete inability to urinate and occurs when the obstruction from benign prostate hyperplasia progresses to the point that the prostate then blocks the urethra and makes it no longer possible to completely empty the bladder.

If urinary retention occurs, emergency medical intervention will be required. In some rare cases, bladder and/or kidney damage can develop from benign prostate hyperplasia.

During your appointment, your doctor will begin by asking detailed questions about your symptoms and doing a physical exam. This initial exam may include:

– Digital rectal exam
– Urine test
– Blood test
– Prostate-specific antigen blood test

After the exam, your doctor may recommend additional tests to help confirm an enlarged prostate and rule out other conditions. These tests may include:

– Urinary flow test
– Postvoid residual volume test
– 24-hour voiding diary

If you want to go the route of non-surgical therapy to help with your enlarged prostate, medication is one of the most common treatment for mild to moderate symptoms. These options are:

– Alpha blockers
– 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
– Combination drug therapy
– Tadalafil

Your doctor may also recommend laser therapy, which is a non-surgical form of treatment. The high-energy laser helps to destroy or remove the overgrown prostate tissue. Laser therapy generally relieves any symptoms right away and offers a lower risk of side effects than does non-laser surgery. Laser therapy may be used in men who have not sought out other procedures for their enlarged prostate or shouldn’t because they take blood-thinning medications. These laser therapy options include:

– Ablative
– Enucleative

You can also help control the symptoms of an enlarged prostate by:

– Limiting your beverage intake in the evenings
– Limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake
– Limiting your intake of decongestants or antihistamines
– Go to the bathroom when you first feel an urge too
– Schedule regular bathroom visits
– Follow a healthy diet
– Stay active
– Urinate – then urinate again to practice double voiding
– Stay warm

For more information about our services, give us a call or book an appointment online to see how our team can help you. We serve patients from Smithfield NC, Selma NC, Clayton NC, Princeton NC, Whitley Heights NC, Four Oaks NC, Pine Level NC and Kenly NC.