What Is an Enlarged Prostate?
3/5/2025
“An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects men as they age,” says W. Bruce Harrell, M.D., board-certified urologist with Lakeside Physicians. “The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urethra and produces seminal fluid. As men grow older, the prostate can gradually enlarge, leading to urinary symptoms due to pressure on the urethra.”
Who Does It Affect?
BPH primarily affects older men. It is rare in men under 40 but becomes increasingly common with age. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 50% of men aged 51–60 experience BPH, and this percentage rises to 90% for men older
80.
Causes of an Enlarged Prostate
The exact cause of prostate enlargement is not entirely understood, but it is believed to be linked to genetics, obesity and hormonal changes as men age. Lifestyle factors may also contribute to the condition.
Symptoms of BPH
BPH can cause a variety of urinary symptoms, including:
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Increased nighttime urination (nocturia)
Severe cases may lead to complications such as urinary retention, bladder infections, or kidney damage if left untreated. Unfortunately, symptoms may be minimal as the disease progresses, which can lead to permanent kidney damage and bladder dysfunction.
Treatment Options
Treatment for BPH depends on symptom severity. Options include:
- Lifestyle changes: Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, managing fluid consumption and regular exercise can help alleviate mild symptoms.
- Medications: Certain medications can help improve urination, while others help shrink the prostate.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Treatments like UroLift or Rezum steam ablation of the prostate help reduce prostate size with fewer side effects than surgical resection.
- Surgery: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard of treatment, commonly referred to as the “Roto-rooter” prostate procedure. In severe cases, robotic surgery or even open surgery may be required.
“BPH is a common, non-cancerous condition that affects aging men, causing urinary symptoms that impact quality of life,” states Dr. Harrell. “While not life-threatening, it requires medical attention to prevent complications.”
With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most men can effectively manage the condition. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harrell, please call (817) 573-5983 or visit https://lakegranburymedical.com/BruceHarrell
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