What Is an Enlarged Prostate? Why It Happens And What Can Be Done

As men age, their bodies undergo many changes, some expected, some less talked about. One of the most common yet often misunderstood conditions is benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. If you've ever wondered, "What is an enlarged prostate?" you're not alone. Here, we attempt to answer that question in full, shedding light on why it happens, what symptoms to watch for, and what can be done about it. So, let’s get into it…

So, What Is an Enlarged Prostate?

The prostate is a marble-sized gland that wraps around the urethra. Situated just below the bladder, in front of the rectum, the connecting tube is designed to carry urine from the bladder out of the body. The main function of the prostate, however, is to produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation.

An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland. It typically occurs in men over the age of 40 and becomes increasingly common with age, often growing to the size of a tennis ball or lemon.

 In fact, by age 60, over 50% of men will have some degree of BPH, and by age 85, that number rises to 90%. Ultimately there’s a strong chance that most men will be affected by a growing prostate at some stage in their lives - and while not dangerous, it can cause problematic symptoms which we’ll talk about later in this article. For now, understand that BPH is an incredibly common issue that man men live with on a daily basis.  

Why Does the Prostate Enlarge?

Despite all the technology at our disposal, the exact cause of BPH isn’t fully understood. That said, there are several factors that are known to contribute, including:

1. Hormonal Changes: As men age, their levels of testosterone decrease, while levels of estrogen may remain the same or even increase. This hormonal shift is believed to stimulate prostate growth.
2. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): This male hormone plays a key role in prostate development and growth. Some men produce more DHT as they age, which can lead to prostate enlargement.
3. Genetics: A family history of BPH can increase your risk of developing the condition.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet may also contribute to BPH development.

Common Symptoms of BPH

As we’ve already mentioned, BPH isn’t life-threatening and should not be confused with prostate cancer, an entirely different entity. However, as the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra, obstructing the flow of urine and leading to a range of urinary symptoms, including:

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Urgency to urinate
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Dribbling at the end of urination

These symptoms can be bothersome and prevent many men from experiencing a full quality of life, so the problem shouldn’t be ignored.

Complications of Untreated BPH

If left untreated, BPH can lead to more serious problems, including:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bladder stones
• Bladder damage
• Kidney damage

These complications underline the importance of seeking medical evaluation if you're experiencing symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.

Diagnosis: What to Expect

If you're concerned about BPH, your healthcare provider may perform several tests, including:

• A digital rectal exam (DRE)
• Urine tests to rule out infection
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
• Ultrasound or other imaging
• Urodynamic and pressure flow studies

These diagnostics help determine the size of the prostate, the severity of the obstruction, and indeed, the best course of treatment. So let’s talk about the latter now…

Treatment Options for BPH

Essentially, the right treatment for BPH depends on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. Options range from lifestyle changes and medication to minimally invasive procedures. One particularly promising non-surgical option is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE).

Why More Men Are Choosing Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

Prostate Artery Embolization is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists. It works by blocking the blood flow to the parts of the prostate that are enlarged, causing them to shrink.

Benefits of PAE include:

• Speedy treatment performed under local anesthesia
• No hospital stay required
•  A lower risk of sexual side effects compared to surgery, and
• A shorter recovery time.

Unlike traditional surgical procedures like TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), PAE preserves the structural integrity of the prostate and therefore, minimizes complications. Studies show that the effectiveness of prostate artery embolization to be somewhere between 80% and 90%.  

Take Control of Your Health At MINT!

If you've been asking yourself, "What is an enlarged prostate?" and recognize some of the symptoms in your own experience, it's time to act. You don’t have to suffer in silence or accept that frequent bathroom trips are just a part of aging.

At the Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT), we specialize in minimally invasive solutions like Prostate Artery Embolization that can dramatically improve your quality of life. Our expert team of vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists are here to guide you through every step of the process, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care.

Don’t wait. Contact MINT today to schedule your consultation and find out if PAE is right for you. Relief from BPH symptoms is possible, and it doesn’t have to involve major surgery. Visit us at www.mintstl or call 314 255-2204 to learn more and book your appointment.