Benign prostate enlargement Is a condition characterized by an abnormal growth of the prostate gland. The prostate gland produces semen and sits between the bladder and the penis. When it enlarges, it may cause problems with urination. Find out how a urologist Mount Vernon can address prostate enlargement to enhance your quality of life.

What is prostate enlargement?

The prostate is a gland found in males and sits below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, a thin tube that carries urine out of the body. The gland also serves as a switch between ejaculation and urination.

The prostate enlarges with age and is prevalent in men over 50. When the gland grows, it squeezes the urethra passing through it, leading to problems with urination. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlarged prostate may cause painful ejaculation or kidney problems.

Causes of prostate enlargement

Research is yet to establish the exact causes of benign prostatic hyperplasia. But scientists believe it occurs due to hormonal changes as men get older.

You may have a higher risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia if your family has a history of the condition. Physical inactivity and type 2 diabetes can make you more susceptible to prostate enlargement.

Also, some compounds like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine found in cold medication can constrict the fibrous tissue surrounding the prostate. If you have an enlarged prostate, medication can worsen the symptoms.

Other factors may cause symptoms similar to an enlarged prostate. They include

• Prostate inflammation
• Constriction of the urethra
• Nerve conditions affecting the bladder
• Bladder or prostate cancer
• Urinary tract infections

Symptoms of BPH

The symptoms may vary between patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). There are two symptoms of BPH; urinary hesitancy and frequency of urination.

Some patients have mild symptoms that do not require treatment. Lifestyle adjustments can alleviate the pain and reduce the urge to urinate.

In more severe cases, patients often experience an intense urge to urinate. They may wake up at night to rush to the bathroom.

Urinary hesitancy describes difficulty starting urination. Sometimes the patient is unable to empty the bladder.

BPH diagnostic process

Your urologist will perform a medical exam and discuss symptoms and family history. The initial test will inform the tests that follow.

Your urologist will request a urinalysis if you have mild symptoms and no medical history or health problems. The test uses a urine culture to detect blood or bacteria in your blood.

Diagnosis may also involve PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) to measure to rule out prostate cancer. Post-Void Residual checks for urine retention in the bladder after urination.

Treatment for benign prostate enlargement

BPH symptoms progress gradually and may remain stable for many years. However, it is crucial to visit your urologist whenever you notice symptoms. Urine retention can irritate the bladder, leading to kidney problems.

There are minimally-invasive procedures like Urolift, which raises the prostate to relieve pressure on the urethra. Your urologist must consider your diagnosis before recommending evidence-based modalities to restore your quality of life.

Call Bellingham Urology Group for more information on our minimally-invasive procedures for BPH today.