Enlarged Prostate: Signs, Causes & Effective Treatment

An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common issue that most men face as they get older. It can make peeing difficult or create a sudden urge to go. The good news? There are plenty of treatment options, from simple medications to minimally invasive procedures and surgery. In this blog, we’ll discuss what an enlarged prostate is, its signs, causes, and treatment options.

What is an enlarged prostate?

The prostate is a small gland that plays a significant role in reproductive health. As men get older, it’s common for the prostate to grow larger. When this happens, it can press against the urethra. This leads to a variety of urinary problems. This is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s important to note that BPH is not cancerous, but it can still cause significant discomfort.

What causes prostate enlargement?

The exact cause of prostate enlargement is not fully understood, but aging and changes in the cells of the testes may play a role. Testosterone levels also appear to be a factor. Interestingly, men who have their testicles removed at a young age, such as due to testicular cancer, do not develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

When the testicles are removed after BPH has developed, the prostate may shrink, although this is not a common treatment for this condition.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate

• Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
• Weak or intermittent urination
• Trouble starting or stopping urination
• Feeling like your bladder isn't completely empty
• Dribbling after urinating

If you're having these symptoms, it's a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. They can help figure out what's going on and what to do next.

Treatment options for an enlarged prostate

Fortunately, there are several treatments available to manage the symptoms of BPH. These range from medications to surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Medications

• Alpha-blockers: These medications, such as tamsulosin and alfuzosin, relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, helping urine flow more easily.
• 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: These drugs, like finasteride and dutasteride, reduce the size of the prostate by blocking the hormone responsible for its growth. However, these medications may take several months to show full effects.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

For men who don’t respond to medication or those seeking quicker relief, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended:

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This procedure removes part of the prostate to relieve pressure on the urethra.
• Laser therapy: Laser energy is used to vaporise or remove prostate tissue.
• Prostatic urethral lift (PUL): This newer procedure uses implants to lift and hold back excess prostate tissue, opening up the urethra.

Surgical Treatments

In severe cases where other treatments haven’t worked, prostatectomy (removal of part or all of the prostate) may be considered. This is usually reserved for situations where other options have been ineffective.

Natural remedies for enlarged prostate

While medications and surgeries are standard treatments, some men prefer natural remedies to manage symptoms. It’s important to note that these remedies should be seen as complementary to, not a replacement for, medical treatment. Some natural options include:

• Saw Palmetto: A popular herbal remedy believed to improve urinary flow and reduce frequent night-time urination.
• Beta-Sitosterol: A plant sterol that may help improve urinary symptoms.
• Pumpkin Seed Oil: Rich in zinc, this oil may promote prostate health and improve bladder function.
• Pygeum: Extracted from the bark of an African tree, pygeum has been shown to reduce symptoms of BPH, including frequent urination.

Lifestyle changes that can help

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also help manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate:

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can improve circulation and help reduce symptoms.
• Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may support prostate health.
• Limit fluid intake before bed to reduce night-time urination.
• Avoid irritants: Certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods, may aggravate BPH symptoms.

Final Words

An enlarged prostate is a common issue for men as they age, but it doesn't have to negatively impact your quality of life. Whether you opt for medication, minimally invasive procedures, or natural remedies, there are effective treatments available to help manage symptoms.

If you're experiencing symptoms of BPH, such as frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, or a weak urine flow, it's important to consult a healthcare provider. Together, you can develop a treatment plan that works for you, helping you live more comfortably and confidently.

FAQs

Does an enlarged prostate affect a man sexually?

Yes, it can affect sexual function, causing issues like erectile dysfunction or reduced libido.

Can an enlarged prostate be cured?

An enlarged prostate cannot be completely cured, but symptoms can be managed effectively through medications or surgery.

Foods to avoid with an enlarged prostate?

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners, as they may irritate the prostate.

What is the best surgery for enlarged prostate?

The most common surgeries include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which removes prostate tissue to relieve symptoms.

Can BPH turn into cancer?

No, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous and does not turn into prostate cancer.