Growing Problems and Dangers of an Enlarged Prostate Gland
Written by: LowT Center Clinical Team
Medically reviewed by: Michael Seay, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Posted: May 29, 2019
Updated: Sep 11, 2023
A men’s health assessment can identify many conditions, such as low testosterone, sleep apnea, and assist with general men’s health management. For instance, if you have been experiencing more frequent urination than usual and are a man in your 60s or 70s, this is not uncommon. It could indicate an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. A wellness visit at a men’s health clinic can determine whether frequent urination is due to BPH or some other condition.
What is BPH?
Doctors do not know why it happens, but an enlarged prostate is a normal part of aging. It is possible that it is caused by hormones. By the time men are about 75 or older, around half of them have some symptoms of an enlarged prostate. The growth of the prostate gland, sometimes described as going from olive-sized to lemon-sized, puts pressure on the urethra and affects urination. Other symptoms of an enlarged prostate include pain during urination, a feeling of being unable to empty the bladder, and inconsistent urine flow. A physical exam at a men’s health clinic, which may include a urine test, can diagnose an enlarged prostate.
Dangers of an Enlarged Prostate
For some men, the worst effects they will experience as a result of an enlarged prostate are simply quality of life issues. The urination problems caused by BPH can be uncomfortable or inconvenient. However, there can be complications that include blood in the urine, bladder stones and urinary tract infections that could lead to kidney damage. An enlarged prostate does not cause sexual dysfunction or increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Treatment
There is no cure for an enlarged prostate, but it can be treated at a men’s health clinic. The treatment depends upon the severity of the symptoms. Medication used is generally either 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors or alpha blockers or a combination of the two. Cialis, or tadalafil, may be used by men who also have erectile dysfunction. If medications are ineffective or cause side effects or if the BPH is particularly severe, surgery may be an option. Certain complications may also need to be treated with surgery.
Men of all ages need regular checkups and may have other hormone-related issues, including low testosterone. Medication, testosterone replacement therapy or lifestyle changes can treat many of these conditions. For more information on low testosterone, TRT, treatment for an enlarged prostate and other men’s health concerns, visit Low T Center at www.lowtcenter.com to make an appointment for a comprehensive health assessment today.
Micheal Seay, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Related Posts
Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.