An enlarged prostate is a common condition that can cause discomfort and often makes it difficult to urinate. Over half of men between the ages of 51 and 60 suffer from an enlarged prostate. If you’ve been struggling with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, Royal S. Park, MD, and Alec S. Koo, MD, of Skyline Urology can help you experience relief. To schedule your visit, call the office in Torrance, California, or book an appointment online today.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
A urine test is used to rule out conditions like urinary tract infections as a cause for your enlarged prostate.
This test checks your Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Increased PSA levels indicate an enlarged prostate.
The rectal exam is used to determine the size of the prostate, as well as check for any tumors or abnormalities.
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.