Prostate Enlargement: Symptoms and Treatment Options

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What is an enlarged prostate?

It's also called an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a small gland that helps make semen. It's found just below the bladder. And it often gets bigger as you get older. An enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It also can cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

What causes prostate enlargement & benign prostatic hyperplasia?

The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but it's believed to be linked to hormonal changes as a man gets older. The balance of hormones in your body changes as you get older and this may cause your prostate gland to grow. This animation explains the possible causes of prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

What is benign prostate enlargement?

Benign prostate enlargement is a condition associated with ageing and is common in men and anyone with a prostate over 50 years of age. How can we improve this page?

What happens if you have an enlarged prostate?

An enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It also can cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. Many treatments can help BPH. These include medicines, surgery and other procedures. Your health care provider can help you choose.

What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate are called lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). See the separate leaflet called Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men for more details. LUTS can also be caused by other conditions. As the prostate enlarges it may cause narrowing of the urethra. This may partially obstruct the flow of urine.

What are the symptoms of benign prostate enlargement?

Even if the symptoms are mild, they could be caused by a condition that needs to be investigated. Any blood in your urine must be investigated by a GP to rule out other more serious conditions. Symptoms of benign prostate enlargement include finding it difficult to start peeing, straining to pee and having a weak flow of urine.

How is an enlarged prostate treated?

Treatment for an enlarged prostate will depend on how severe your symptoms are. If you have mild symptoms, you do not usually need immediate treatment. Your doctor will agree with you if and when you need more check-ups. You'll probably be advised to make lifestyle changes, such as:

What Is Prostate Enlargement

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-enlargement/
2. https://patient.info/mens-health/prostate-and-urethra-problems/prostate-gland-enlargement
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/enlarged-prostate
5. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
6. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/kidneys-bladder-and-prostate/benign-prostate-enlargement/
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benign_prostatic_hyperplasia