Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Enlarged Prostate Urology Clinics of North Texas

Enlarged Prostate Urology Clinics of North Texas

Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate gland in men. BPH is a noncancerous condition that blocks the flow of urine through the urethra. While it is common for men to develop enlarged prostate as they age, many men will not have any symptoms.

When BPH causes uncomfortable urinary symptoms, there are several treatment options your doctor may recommend. At Urology Clinics of North Texas, the urologists consider all aspects of the patient during treatment, including other medical conditions, lifestyle, and patient preference.

Enlarged Prostate Urology Clinics of North Texas

When enlarged, the prostate gland can block urine flow, causing urinary symptoms. There are no known causes for enlarged prostate. Men typically have continued prostate growth throughout their lives. Prostate enlargement is known to be influenced by testosterone, which causes cell growth in the prostate. The likelihood of developing enlarged prostate increases with age. There are other associated risk factors for BPH, such as:

  • Family history of enlarged prostate
  • Diabetes and heart disease
  • Obesity

If you’re having any urinary problems, you should discuss them with your doctor.

Enlarged Prostate Urology Clinics of North Texas

Many men have no symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and do a physical exam of the prostate. Urine and blood tests may also be assessed, as well as a Prostate-specific antigen blood test. Other tests may be conducted, such as urinary flow tests, ultrasounds, and in some cases, a prostate biopsy to help your doctor rule out prostate cancer.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate can include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Incontinence
  • Slow or weak urinary stream
  • Pain with urination
  • Frequent urination at night
  • Sudden urge to urinate

Enlarged Prostate Urology Clinics of North Texas

Depending on the severity of symptoms and other medical conditions, your provider will determine your treatment options.

The best treatment choice will be made based on your age, size of your prostate, overall health, and severity of symptoms.

Active surveillance

In some cases, watchful waiting is the recommended course of treatment if symptoms are minimal.

Medication

Medication is the most common treatment of BPH symptoms. Alpha-blockers that relax muscles to make urination easier can be prescribed. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may be prescribed to shrink the prostate.

Rezum

This is a minimally invasive therapy that uses water vapor to shrink the prostate. Rezum is done in the office and can relieve symptoms including urinary urgency, frequency, weak urine stream, and excessive nighttime urination. More Info +

Urolift

A urolift implant can relieve symptoms of enlarged prostate by lifting the tissue and increasing the opening to the urethra. More Info +

Minimally invasive surgery

If medication does not relieve the symptoms, surgery may be recommended to remove some of the prostate or remove any obstructions.

Enlarged prostate affects more men as they get older. Enlarged prostate affects 50% of men in the 60s and 90% of men in their 80s.

As men age, they are more likely to develop an enlarged prostate. Enlarged prostate risk is increased with family history of enlarged prostate and history of heart disease.

Not all men show symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate can include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Incontinence
  • A slow or weak urine stream
  • Pain with urination
  • Frequent urination at night
  • Sudden urge to urinate

Depending on patient factors such as age, general health, and the severity of symptoms, enlarged prostate may be treated with active surveillance, medication or minimally invasive surgery.

Urology Clinics of North Texas

UCNT will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on
Thursday 11/23 & Friday 11/24

We at Urology Clinics of North Texas would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving Holiday! We will return to normal Business hours on Monday, November 27, 2023.