The severity of symptoms in people with an enlarged prostate gland varies, but symptoms tend to gradually worsen over time. Increased frequency of nighttime urination (nocturia) These are just two possible signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia, called BPH, which is an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate is often referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is not cancer and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.
This is where you can't empty your bladder completely, but you can still urinate a little. It usually develops slowly over time. Early signs usually include a weak flow during urination or a loss of urine at night. You may feel that your abdomen (stomach area) is swollen or that your bladder is not completely emptying.
The most common prostate-related problem in men over 50 is an enlarged prostate. By age 60, more than half of men will have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or a non-cancerous prostate enlargement. At age 85, that number increases to 90%. You may be asked to give a urine sample for testing.
The doctor may also do a blood test to check the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA levels may be high in men with an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. You may also need an ultrasound scan that takes computer images of the prostate. For more information on treatment options for prostate cancer, call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 800-422-6237 or visit their website.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat chronic prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), which can occur with BPH. If you don't get treatment for prostate problems, your bladder may become irritated because urine builds up instead of being released. An enlarged prostate may not cause visible symptoms, but it will eventually affect urinary and erectile functions if not treated properly. Some studies show that obese men and those with diabetes may be more likely to develop an enlarged prostate.
The choice of recommended surgical procedure is usually based on the severity of the symptoms and on the size and shape of the prostate gland. Men who suffer from symptoms of an enlarged prostate should have an MRI test of the prostate, known as a biparametric MRI or bpMRI. To find out if prostate symptoms are caused by cancer, the doctor will ask you about your previous medical problems and your family's medical history. If you've been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, your doctor will review the test results to see if you're at risk of urine retention.
However, we still need more studies on the causes of prostate enlargement to know for sure if and how we can prevent it. However, as the prostate grows, it can put pressure on the outside of the urethra, causing the urethra to narrow. You may not have all of these symptoms, and some men with an enlarged prostate may not have any symptoms. If tests show that you may have cancer, your doctor will refer you to a specialist (a urologist) for a prostate biopsy.
There is also some research that suggests that you may be at greater risk of developing an enlarged prostate if your father or brother has one.
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