Learn about the causes of prostate enlargement and the latest treatment methods

Learn about the causes of prostate enlargement

 The prostate gland is situated below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and it encompasses a portion of the urinary tract. Its enlargement can sometimes impede the smooth passage of urine, negatively impacting one's quality of life.

Continue reading this article to learn about the causes of prostate enlargement and the latest treatment modalities.

Causes of Prostate Enlargement

The causes of prostate enlargement are currently unknown. However, there is a common belief that it stems from the natural hormonal shifts accompanying aging, as testosterone levels decrease in the body while estrogen remains constant, affecting how prostate cells grow.

It is also worth noting that consuming dietary supplements containing testosterone may also trigger its enlargement at earlier ages.

Factors That May Increase the Risk of Prostate Enlargement

Sixty percent of men over sixty years old develop prostate enlargement, so it is a prevalent condition, but certain factors boost the chances of acquiring it, the most important of which are:

Suffering from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart conditions.

Genetic factors, meaning the issue is widespread among men in the same family.

Adopting an unhealthy lifestyle and neglecting physical activity.

Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement

The signs of prostate enlargement include the following:

Dribbling after urination.

Difficulty starting to urinate.

Frequent nighttime visits to the restroom.

Inability to completely empty the bladder.

A sudden and urgent urge to urinate.

Feeling discomfort during urination.

Noticing a change in urine color.

Foul-smelling urine.

Urinary incontinence.

Complications of Prostate Enlargement

After outlining the causes and signs of prostate enlargement, we will now discuss the potential complications if treatment is neglected, such as:

Developing urinary tract infections.

Bladder stone formation, which might lead to blood in the urine.

Urine retention and the complete inability to void it. This issue requires immediate medical attention, and visiting a hospital to have a catheter inserted to drain urine is necessary. It should be mentioned that delaying treatment in this scenario can result in kidney damage.

Methods for Diagnosing Prostate Enlargement

If a patient observes the previously mentioned signs of prostate congestion, they should visit a specialist doctor for the necessary examinations to achieve an accurate diagnosis and determine the causes of prostate enlargement, which will aid in establishing the appropriate therapeutic plan.

The diagnostic tests for prostate enlargement include the following:

Urine analysis; to look for any traces of infection.

Blood analysis; to confirm the presence or absence of any kidney issues.

Prostate ultrasound; to obtain a detailed visual representation of its size and appearance.

Urine flow test, where the patient voids into a special container connected to a device that measures the strength of the flow. The physician usually follows this technique to monitor the condition and gauge its improvement and response to therapy.

Cystoscopy by inserting a flexible scope through the urethral opening after local anesthesia is administered to that area, allowing observation of the prostate on a screen.

Treatment for Prostate Enlargement Without Surgery

Prostate enlargement can be managed using the following methods:

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting a healthy way of living assists in reducing bothersome symptoms, through:

Engaging in regular exercises; to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Stopping the consumption of water and fluids several hours before sleep.

Limiting the intake of caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea.

Stopping the use of antihistamines, cold medications, and antidepressants—if feasible—as they might cause symptoms similar to prostate enlargement, worsening the situation.

Medication Therapy

The physician may prescribe certain drugs that work to:

Relax the muscles in the bladder neck, allowing for easier urination.

Prevent hormonal changes in the body that are a primary cause of prostate enlargement. The patient often takes these for over six months to achieve desired outcomes.

Surgical Treatment for Prostate Enlargement

If bladder stones or urinary tract infections recur, and the patient can no longer tolerate the signs of prostate inflammation and swelling, the doctor might recommend resolving this issue permanently through surgical intervention as follows:

Traditional Surgery

The physician makes a surgical incision in the lower abdomen to reach and remove the prostate gland. This surgery typically requires a hospital stay of several days afterward.

Minimally Invasive Scope Procedure

Most physicians currently utilize this technique because it is simpler compared to open surgery, allowing the patient to recover more rapidly. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a scope through the urethra to completely remove the prostate, excluding its external portion. It is noteworthy that the patient is often discharged from the hospital on the same day but will use a urinary catheter for a few extra days.

Laser Therapy

A portion of the prostate tissue can be removed using a laser, which facilitates smooth urine flow.

Radiofrequency Therapy

The physician directs radiofrequency energy toward the prostate gland, causing it to shrink. The patient usually requires more than one session to alleviate symptom severity.

Here we conclude our article titled "Learn About the Causes of Prostate Enlargement and the Latest Treatment Modalities."