What is the prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-shaped muscular gland that’s essential to male reproductive health. It’s located below your bladder and is responsible for producing a fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. The prostate contracts during ejaculation, pushing semen through the urethra.
What causes an enlarged prostate?
There are a number of conditions that can cause an enlarged prostate. It can become enlarged from an infection, injury, or even cancer. However, the most common cause of an enlarged prostate is age.
The prostate gland continues to grow throughout your life. In some men, the prostate can grow too large causing discomfort and frequent, impaired urination. This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?
Most symptoms of an enlarged prostate are associated with the bladder and urinary tract. As the prostate grows, pressure on the bladder increases and the passageway of the urethra narrows.
Symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Slow or weak stream
- Difficulty urinating
- Dribbling
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
An enlarged prostate makes it more difficult to empty the bladder, leaving you more vulnerable to urinary tract infections.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, it's important to discuss your condition with the experienced urologists at Skyline Urology as soon as possible.
What is prostate cancer?
Although most enlarged prostates are noncancerous, that isn’t always the case. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers amongst men. About one in every nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer causes the prostate to grow abnormally, developing harmful tumors and lesions. The symptoms of prostate cancer can mimic an enlarged prostate, so it's important to seek prompt medical care if you notice changes to your bladder functions.
How is an enlarged prostate diagnosed?
Your diagnosis begins with a discussion of your symptoms and medical history. Next, your doctor performs a physical exam to determine the status of your overall health. Your Skyline Urology provider might also perform:
Urine test
A urine test is used to rule out conditions like urinary tract infections as a cause for your enlarged prostate.
A prostate-specific antigen blood test
This test checks your Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Increased PSA levels indicate an enlarged prostate.
Digital rectal exam
The rectal exam is used to determine the size of the prostate, as well as check for any tumors or abnormalities.
How is an enlarged prostate treated?
Depending on the cause of your enlarged prostate, the treatment can range from medication to no treatment at all. Your doctor’s approach depends on your age, size of your prostate, and your overall health.
If your symptoms are tolerable, your provider may recommend a wait-and-see approach to monitor your prostate with no immediate intervention.
At Skyline Urology, the team specializes in minimally invasive options for treating enlarged prostates, including Urolift and Rezum. The doctors will discuss the best treatment option based on your overall health and evaluation.
To speak with a urology specialist about an enlarged prostate, book an appointment at Skyline Urology by phone or online today.
