Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and treatment.
What is an Enlarged Prostate?
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in men as they age. The prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra, grows larger and can press against the urethra, causing urinary symptoms1.
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
Common symptoms include:
Frequent urination, especially at night
Difficulty starting urination
Weak or interrupted urine stream
Dribbling at the end of urination
Incomplete bladder emptying
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of BPH is not well understood, but factors that may increase the risk include:
Aging: Most men experience some prostate enlargement as they age.
Family history: A family history of prostate problems may increase risk.
Hormonal changes: Changes in male hormones as men age may play a role.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves:
Medical history and physical exam: Your doctor will ask about symptoms and perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel the prostate.
Urinary tests: Urinalysis, urine culture, and post-void residual volume measurement can help assess urinary function.
Imaging tests: Ultrasound or MRI may get detailed images of the prostate and surrounding tissues.
Urodynamic tests measure the pressure in the bladder and urine flow.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and may include:
Medications: Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) relax the prostate and bladder neck muscles, making urination easier. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) can shrink the prostate over time.
Minimally invasive therapies: Procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can remove prostate tissue to relieve symptoms.
Lifestyle changes: Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, staying active, and practicing bladder training can help manage symptoms.
Bladder training is a behavioral therapy designed to help individuals regain control over their bladder function. It involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to help the bladder hold more urine and reduce the frequency of urination2. Here’s how it typically works:
- Identify Current Bathroom Habits: Keep a bladder diary for several days, noting the times you urinate and any instances of urgency or leakage.
- Create a Schedule: Based on your diary, set a schedule for bathroom visits, adding about 15 minutes to the current interval. For example, if you’re going every hour, try going every hour and 15 minutes.
- Stick to the Schedule: Use the bathroom at each scheduled time, even if you don’t feel the urge to go.
- Gradually Increase Time: Slowly lengthen the time between bathroom visits, aiming to wait longer each time.
- Delay Urination: When you feel the urge to urinate, try to hold it for a few minutes before going to the bathroom. Gradually increase this delay over time.
- Practice Distraction Techniques: When you feel the urge to go, distract yourself with activities like counting backwards from 100, deep breathing, or standing still.
Bladder training can be effective for managing conditions like overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence. It’s important to be patient and consistent with the process, as it may take several weeks to see improvement.
Living with an Enlarged Prostate
Managing an enlarged prostate involves regular check-ups, following prescribed treatments, and making lifestyle adjustments. Open communication with your healthcare provider is key to finding the best approach for your needs.
Understanding and addressing an enlarged prostate can significantly improve the quality of life. If you experience any symptoms, seeking medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment is essential.
