Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia

As men age, their prostate glands get larger. As many as 50% to 60% of men older than 60, and as many as 80% to 90% of men over the age of 70, have an enlarged prostate. Physicians refer to this condition as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. When the prostate gets larger, it can put pressure on the urethra, which is the tube that connects to the bladder to empty urine out of the body. The added pressure can lead to uncomfortable urinary symptoms. 

Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia

BPH causes several issues that may cause symptoms, which can range from mild or moderate to seriously affecting men’s quality of life. 

• Feeling the need to urinate urgently or frequently 
• Producing a weak urine stream 
• A urine stream that stops and starts or dribbles at the end of urination 
• Problems starting to urinate 
• Inability to completely empty the bladder 
• Frequent need to urinate at night, or nocturia 
• Pain after urination or ejaculation 
• Leaking urine or incontinence 
• Smelly urine 

Other conditions also cause these symptoms, so patients should see our Houston urologists to determine what is causing the problem. Conditions that cause similar symptoms include urinary tract infections, or UTIs; inflammation of the prostate, or prostatitis; kidney stones; bladder stones and other health issues. 

An enlarged prostate can cause complications

While benign prostatic hyperplasia doesn’t increase a man’s risk for prostate cancer, sometimes, prostate gland enlargement causes complications.  

• Blood in the urine 
• Bladder stones 
• Urinary retention that can lead to bladder or kidney damage over time 
• The sudden inability to urinate 

Our Houston urologists need to see patients who experience these complications, so they can devise a treatment plan.  

Treating BPH

Treatment for an enlarged prostate ranges from watching and waiting to medication, minimally invasive procedures, or, in some cases, surgery. Our skilled urologists develop a treatment plan based on a patient’s age, overall health, size of the prostate gland and the patient’s discomfort level. Some men’s symptoms improve over time without treatment. 

For men with mild to moderate symptoms, medications are available that can make urination easier or shrink the prostate gland. Minimally invasive options or surgical procedures help men with moderate to severe symptoms, particularly when medications haven’t helped. Men with certain complications, including an obstruction in the urinary tract or bladder stones, also benefit from treatments such as laser therapy or other procedures. 

Our Houston urologists diagnose and treat men for prostate gland enlargement

Men who are suffering with an enlarged prostate or urinary symptoms should contact us for an appointment. Our highly skilled and trained urologists are here to help.