Having an enlarged prostate is common amongst older men. Over time, the prostate becomes enlarged, which blocks the flow of urine through the urethra. In addition to the urethra becoming more narrow, the bladder muscle also becomes stronger, thicker and overly sensitive. Eventually, this causes urine to get backed up in the bladder, causing an enlarged prostate.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
Most men notice the following symptoms when their prostate becomes enlarged:
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Feeling like they can’t empty their bladder
- The urge to urinate causes them to wake up frequently
- A weak urinary stream
- Urinary tract infections from urine remaining in the bladder
Treatment Options For an Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Depending on the severity of symptoms for the enlarged prostate, the following treatment recommendations might be suggested by your urologist:
- Drug therapy – used to provide relief from symptoms and to help reduce the enlargement of the prostate gland. These are especially helpful where the symptoms are mild.
- TURP (Transurethral resection of the prostate) – the most common type of BPH surgery that generally provides long-term relief. Side effects can include erectile dysfunction and bleeding.
- Minimally Invasive Treatments – by their nature, these treatments are not as invasive as surgery and can be performed in an outpatient environment. These can include thermography, laser therapy and a urethral stent.
Consult with urology specialist Dr. Daniel Kaplon in Sarasota, FL for information on how to properly treat an enlarged prostate.