In short,
- Oversized prostate symptoms include frequent urination, especially at night.
- Lifestyle changes can ease symptoms for men with mild-to-moderate enlargement.
- Consult a doctor to discuss treatment options and rule out other conditions.
Understanding Oversized Prostate Symptoms
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, affects many men as they age. It involves the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra and can obstruct urine flow.
Symptoms include frequent urination (especially at night), urgency, difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms can disrupt sleep, cause anxiety, and reduce overall well-being.
Causes and Risk Factors for Prostate Enlargement
Age, hormonal changes, genetics, and lifestyle factors can contribute to BPH.
Age and Hormonal Changes
Getting older is the biggest risk factor, and according to the Mayo Clinic, more than 50% of men over 50 have BPH. Changes in hormone levels, like lower testosterone, may play a role.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that affects prostate growth. DHT is converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Higher levels of DHT can stimulate prostate cell growth, contributing to BPH.
Genetic Predisposition
Having a family history of BPH increases your risk. Researchers are studying specific genes related to prostate growth. If your father or brother had BPH, your risk is significantly higher.
Lifestyle and Medical Conditions
Obesity, lack of exercise, diabetes, and heart disease are linked to BPH. These conditions can affect hormone levels and inflammation, potentially impacting prostate health.
Recognizing Common Oversized Prostate Symptoms
Spotting symptoms early is important.
Urinary Frequency and Urgency
Needing to urinate frequently (more than 8 times in 24 hours) and having a sudden, strong urge to urinate are common symptoms. This occurs because the enlarged prostate presses on the bladder, reducing its capacity and increasing sensitivity.
Nocturia and Sleep Disruption
Waking up several times during the night to urinate can disrupt your sleep. Nocturia is often one of the most bothersome symptoms of BPH.
Voiding Difficulties
Symptoms include:
- Trouble starting urination (hesitancy).
- A weak or stop-and-start urine stream.
- Straining to urinate.
- Dribbling after urination.
- Feeling like you can’t completely empty your bladder.
These difficulties arise from the prostate constricting the urethra, making it harder for urine to flow freely.
What are the Diagnosis and Testing Options for Enlarged Prostate?
Diagnosis includes physical exams, blood tests, and urine tests.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
A doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate and check its size and shape. This helps detect any abnormalities and rule out prostate cancer.
This exam provides valuable information about the prostate’s size, consistency, and any nodules or irregularities.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
A blood test measures PSA levels, which can be higher in men with BPH and prostate cancer. If PSA is elevated, further tests may be needed.
It’s important to note that PSA levels can also be elevated due to prostatitis (prostate inflammation) or recent ejaculation.
Urinalysis and Urine Flow Study
Urinalysis checks for infection or blood in the urine. A urine flow study (uroflowmetry) measures how fast and how much urine you can pass. This test helps determine the severity of the urinary obstruction caused by the enlarged prostate.
Postvoid Residual (PVR) Measurement
This test measures the amount of urine left in your bladder after you urinate. A high PVR means you’re not emptying your bladder completely. A PVR greater than 50-100 mL is generally considered significant.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Managing Oversized Prostate Symptoms
Lifestyle changes can help manage mild-to-moderate BPH symptoms.
Dietary Modifications for Prostate Health
Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and spicy foods. Eat more fiber. Caffeine and alcohol can irritate the bladder and increase urinary frequency. Spicy foods can also exacerbate urinary symptoms in some men.
A high-fiber diet can help prevent constipation, which can worsen BPH symptoms.
Fluid Management Strategies
Avoid drinking a lot of fluids before bed. Drink fluids throughout the day instead of all at once. Limiting fluid intake before bed can reduce nocturia.
Spreading fluid intake throughout the day helps maintain hydration without overloading the bladder.
Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)
While Kegel exercises are more commonly associated with women, a study by the National Institutes of Health has shown that the introduction of pelvic floor exercises improved the quality of life for men with BPH.
Be sure to consult with your doctor or a physical therapist to determine if Kegel exercises are appropriate for you.
Timed Voiding
Urinate on a schedule to prevent urgency. Go to the bathroom at set times, even if you don’t feel the urge. This helps retrain the bladder and reduce the sensation of urgency.
Additional Treatment Options for Swollen Prostate
Other treatment options include medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.
Medications for BPH
Alpha-blockers relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate. Combination therapy uses both types of medications.
Medications have side effects and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Discuss all potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) uses microwave energy to heat and destroy excess prostate tissue. Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) uses radiofrequency energy.
Prostatic urethral lift (UroLift) uses implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way.
Surgical Options
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) removes excess prostate tissue. Open prostatectomy involves surgically removing the inner part of the prostate. Surgical procedures carry inherent risks.
Discuss all potential risks and benefits with your surgeon before making a decision about surgery.
When to Seek Professional Care for Oversized Prostate Symptoms
When in doubt, see a doctor to prevent complications and help alleviate pain.
Urgent Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention
The following symptoms require immediate medical attention: complete inability to urinate (urinary retention), blood in the urine (hematuria), severe pain in the lower abdomen or side, and fever or chills along with urinary symptoms.
These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or prostate cancer.
When to Consult a Urologist
See a urologist if lifestyle changes don’t improve your symptoms, if symptoms interfere with your daily life or sleep, to discuss treatment options and rule out other conditions, or if you have frequent urinary tract infections.
Questions to Ask About Oversized Prostate Symptoms in Phoenix, Arizona
- What is the severity of my BPH compared to others?
- What are the potential side effects of each treatment option?
- How often should I have follow-up appointments?
- Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?
- What lifestyle adjustments are most important for me?
At Ironwood Urology, our board-certified men’s health provider has extensive experience in treating BPH and related health matters. We understand the sensitive nature of men’s health issues, which is why creating a comfortable and confidential environment for our patients is of the utmost importance.
To learn more or make an appointment with our urology provider, call (480) 961-2323 or complete and submit our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to talking with you.
