Understanding Enlarged Prostate Treatments (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—also known as an enlarged prostate—is a condition affecting approximately 50% of all men over 50. Learn more about the condition, symptoms, and risk factors.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
An enlarged prostate, known clinically as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a highly common, non-life-threatening disorder where the prostate gland grows but is non-cancerous.
Prostate tissue growth can put pressure on the urethra, which is responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body. As a result, individuals with BPH may have trouble urinating or an increased need to urinate.
BPH is caused by the accelerated growth of prostate cells, causing the gland to become larger. The growth causes prostate tissue to push on the urethra, which can lead to uncomfortable urinary symptoms.
While the core cause of prostate tissue growth isn't entirely known, it is believed to be related to an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone involved in prostate tissue growth. Most men experience increased DHT levels as they age.
Common Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Enlarged Prostate symptoms frequently involve the following
Urinary frequency
Men with BPH often experience a need to urinate more frequently, both during the day and at night. Sleep disruptions can contribute to numerous medical complications, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Urgent need to urinate
There is a sense of urgency to urinate, which may be difficult to control. This symptom can lead to a sudden and strong desire to urinate even if the bladder is not full.
Weakened flow of urine
BPH can cause a weakened or reduced urinary stream. The urine flow may be slow or intermittent, making it difficult to empty the bladder.
Struggle to start urination
Men with BPH may have trouble initiating urination, resulting in a delay before urine starts to flow.
Difficulty stopping urination
After urination, some men may experience a dribbling of urine, possibly due to the bladder not emptying sufficiently.
Incomplete bladder emptying
BPH can prevent the bladder from emptying, leading to a persistent feeling of fullness or the need to urinate again shortly after finishing.
Other less common symptoms might include the following concerns:
Hematuria
Some men with BPH may notice blood in their urine, indicating irritation or inflammation in the urinary tract.
Urinary tract infections
BPH can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), as the urine may not flow freely, allowing bacteria to multiply in the urinary tract.
Kidney disease
When left unaddressed, urine can stagnate in the bladder, leading to potentially serious kidney dysfunction.
Sexual performance issues
In some cases, BPH can cause sexual issues such as difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection or decreased libido.
While the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer may often be mistaken for one another due to their similar presentation, they are distinct conditions with different implications.
If unaddressed, BPH symptoms can significantly erode general comfort and quality of life.
Dr. Hardee - Prostate Artery Embolization Specialists
What Causes BPH?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia occurs due to the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
The leading cause of BPH is often linked to hormonal changes that occur with aging. As men age, levels of testosterone decrease while estrogen levels remain constant, leading to an imbalance that may stimulate prostate growth.
While this hormonal imbalance is the primary cause of BPH for many men, additional possible causes of BPH include:
- Increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT): This hormone promotes prostate cell growth and can lead to excessive enlargement over time.
- Inflammatory factors: Chronic inflammation may play a role in altering prostate tissues, contributing to enlargement.
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of prostate issues can increase the likelihood of developing BPH.
Understanding what causes benign prostatic hyperplasia helps patients recognize the significance of routine screenings and early intervention. By identifying these triggers, healthcare providers can offer tailored advice and treatment strategies to mitigate symptoms and prevent complications.
Enlarged Prostate Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to the likelihood of suffering from BPH.
The aging process is one of the primary contributors to the onset of BPH. The likelihood increases as men age. Approximately half of all men will have some degree of prostate enlargement by age 50. By age 80, an estimated 90% will experience BPH.
Genetic factors are also thought to contribute to the development of BPH. Siblings or offspring of people with BPH are likely to suffer from the condition, suggesting a hereditary connection.
A person's race or ethnicity could also contribute to higher BPH risk. Research has indicated that Black men are more likely to develop BPH than White men, while Asian men have lower rates of BPH than Black or White men. Additional studies are necessary to better understand the connection between race and risk for BPH.
Several medical conditions and behavioral elements can contribute to BPH development. It is more likely that men who are struggling with obesity, diabetes, heart disease, or a sedentary lifestyle will develop BPH.
Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone levels or elevated estrogen production, might also raise the risk of BPH.
Although the above are well-documented risk factors for BPH, having one or more risks will not necessarily guarantee symptomatic BPH. Nevertheless, screening for prostate abnormalities is important to further reduce the risk of BPH or other prostate-related health concerns.
Age
Age is one of the primary causes of BPH. The likelihood of prostate enlargement increases significantly in men over 50, with symptoms becoming more prevalent as they age. By age 60, nearly 50% of men show signs of BPH; by age 85, that number rises to 90%.
Family History
A family history of prostate enlargement or other prostate-related conditions is a strong indicator of potential risk. Men whose close relatives have experienced BPH are more likely to develop the condition themselves. This genetic link underscores the importance of discussing risk factors of BPH with your doctor during routine checkups.
Obesity and Lifestyle Choices
Excess weight, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy dietary habits significantly increase the risk of BPH. A sedentary lifestyle combined with poor nutrition contributes to hormonal imbalances and inflammation, which are potential root causes of BPH. Incorporating regular exercise and a prostate-friendly diet can play a vital role in reducing these risks.
Diabetes and Hypertension
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are strongly associated with prostate enlargement. These conditions affect the body’s ability to regulate hormones and may exacerbate symptoms of BPH. Managing these underlying conditions effectively can reduce the risk of BPH progression.
Other Medical Conditions
Other medical issues, including metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation, are often linked to what causes an enlarged prostate. These conditions can contribute to tissue changes and growth within the prostate, worsening symptoms over time. Regular monitoring and management of these health problems are crucial for overall prostate health.
Prevention and Management of BPH
While BPH cannot always be prevented, healthy habits can lower the risk and help manage symptoms effectively. Prevention and management focus on lifestyle adjustments and medical interventions to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes to Reduce BPH Risk
Adopting a healthier lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of BPH. These changes include:
- Maintaining a balanced diet: Focus on foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that support prostate health.
- Staying physically active: Regular exercise helps regulate hormone levels and improve circulation, reducing inflammation in the prostate.
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake: These substances can irritate the bladder and worsen urinary symptoms.
- Avoiding smoking: Smoking contributes to inflammation and poor circulation, which can exacerbate prostate problems.
Medications and Treatments for Managing BPH Symptoms
Medical interventions can be highly effective for individuals already experiencing BPH symptoms. Common treatment options include:
- Alpha-blockers: These medications relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder to improve urine flow.
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: These drugs shrink the prostate by targeting hormone imbalances.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Techniques like Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) can reduce the size of the prostate and alleviate symptoms without surgery.
Prostate Enlargement and Prostate Cancer
BPH is not known to elevate the risk of prostate cancer. However, the appearance of any urinary symptoms should be addressed by a specialist, as several BPH symptoms are identical to those associated with prostate cancer, including increases in urinary frequency and urgency.
Many of the above-listed BPH symptoms are present in cases of prostate cancer. Nevertheless, there are also prostate cancer symptoms that are generally not present in cases of BPH, including the following:
- Pelvic pain
- Back pain
- Hip pain
- Bloody semen
- Painful ejaculation
Additional Prostate Health Issues
Prostatitis, a bacterial infection, is another issue that might be mistaken for BPH. Enlarged prostate treatment depends on the type of prostatitis and may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, alpha-blockers, and physical therapy.
How Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is Diagnosed in Houston & Dallas
The diagnosis of BPH involves a thorough medical history, physical examination (digital rectal exam), and laboratory tests, such as a urine analysis, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and sometimes a prostate fluid culture.
Prostate Enlargement Treatment
BPH treatment might only involve lifestyle changes or medications that minimize symptoms by relaxing the bladder or inhibiting prostate tissue growth.
A medical intervention might be recommended for patients who have not experienced symptom reduction through lifestyle modifications or medications.
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a groundbreaking, non-surgical procedure to improve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. The approach treats BPH without sexual side effects, hospitalization, general anesthesia, or significant recovery times.
PAE is an endovascular approach that blocks the blood flow to the areas of the prostate most affected by tissue growth, resulting in shrinkage of the prostate over several months.
Patients with BPH-related urinary symptoms must be evaluated by a specialist to isolate the underlying cause of prostate changes. Screenings and regular exams are important for ensuring optimal prostate health.
Texas Endovascular Provides BPH Treatment in Houston & Dallas
Texas Endovascular provides effective solutions for patients suffering from painful benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms.
With a team of dedicated vascular and interventional radiologists, our clinic offers a safe and highly effective endovascular approach to alleviate BPH discomfort. Prostate artery embolization (PAE) has been proven to yield excellent patient outcomes, with minimal recovery time and a low risk of complications.
If you have questions or issues relating to prostate health, please contact our caring team of specialists to schedule a consultation today.
Serving the Houston & Dallas area at these Convenient Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment Centers
Each location offers the same specialized Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) care delivered by board-certified interventional radiologists. Houston and Dallas specialists serve patients throughout Texas at convenient locations, including:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment in Houston
4747 Bellaire Blvd
Suite 550
Bellaire, TX 77401
