Find Relief from Your Enlarged Prostate/Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) at Houston Physicians’ Hospital
Also known as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate is one of the most common urologic conditions in the U.S. According to research, over 14 million men in the U.S. exhibit symptoms of BPH.
The condition occurs when prostate cells begin to multiply. Over time, the abnormal growth enlarges the prostate gland, resulting in excessive pressure on the urethra—the duct responsible for transporting urine from the body through the bladder.
When the urethra is squeezed, it limits or blocks urine flow causing mild to severe pain. Gradually, this blockage will damage the bladder muscles if left untreated.
Patients who exhibit the symptoms of an enlarged prostate feel the urge to urinate frequently and remain in a continual state of discomfort.
While the painful symptoms force many patients to seek treatment, some men may not experience excruciating discomfort. This lack of pain lessens or eliminates the urgency for many men to get diagnosed and treated quickly, which further damages the bladder.
Causes of an Enlarged Prostate/BPH
Here are some of the primary causes of the condition:
- Aging
- Changes in testosterone levels
- Family history of prostate problems
In addition, if a man has diabetes and heart disease, he also has an increased risk of developing an enlarged prostate. The condition generally develops in men over the age of 60, with the likelihood of symptoms escalating once they settle into their 80’s.
However, men with an unhealthy body mass index (BMI) are more likely to develop signs and symptoms of enlarged prostate before the age of 60.
Common Signs and Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate/BPH
While the signs and symptoms of BPH are initially mild, they tend to exacerbate as the condition develops. However, some men may have a much more severe condition from the onset and experience debilitating symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Painful urination
- Urinary retention (inability to urinate)
- Returning to urinate within minutes of finishing
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Urinary incontinency (involuntary leakage of urine)
- Slowed or delayed urinary stream
- Nocturia (excessive urination at night)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
While most patients with BPH tend to attribute their symptoms to how large the prostate has grown, but there is little to no correlation between the two.
Men with slight prostate enlargement may experience severe symptoms. Yet, some men with extreme prostate enlargement may show few signs of the condition and experience minimal pain.
If you think you may have an enlarged prostate, see a urologist, and get it diagnosed quickly—early treatment can help you avoid or prolong the need for surgery.
Enlarged Prostate/BPH Diagnosis and Treatment at Houston Physicians’ Hospital
Our team of urologists, surgeons, and physicians are equipped with the medical background and expertise, cutting-edge technology, and experience required to effectively diagnose and treat BPH. Depending on the severity of the condition, we provide patients with a personalized treatment plan that ensures long-term prostate health reducing the chances of relapse.
Our treatment options include:
- Medication (alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors)
- Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT)
- Transurethral radiofrequency needle ablation (TUNA)
- Water-induced thermotherapy (WIT)
- High-intensity focused ultrasonography (HIFU)
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
- Prostatectomy
Houston Physicians’ Hospital also uses UroNav® which is an MR ultrasound-guided fusion biopsy system. It utilizes electromagnetic tracking and navigation to combine pre-biopsy prostate MR images with ultrasound-guided biopsy images. This technology allows doctors to target prostate conditions with more precision for a more accurate diagnosis and procedure.
An enlarged prostate may also be treated through diet and lifestyle changes. Visit our website and find an expert urologist who can develop a personalized treatment plan if you live anywhere in Southeast Texas. We help patients across South Houston, Clear Lake, Webster, League City, and Galveston.
