Your reproductive and urinary functions are closely linked, as both happen in your genitals, so it follows that both are affected when conditions in your prostate become a problem. The small gland (about the size of a walnut), which nourishes semen and regulates urine flow and hormones, has three lobes and surrounds the urethra and the neck of your urinary bladder.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH or enlarged prostate, is a common problem in men as they age. If it worsens, it can affect urine production and related conditions in the urinary tract. Detecting and managing BPH is crucial to urinary health, so let’s explore what causes it, the problems it creates, and how we can help.
Drs. Craig Herman and Steven Kester and the Urology Center of Florida team treat prostate problems and other urinary illnesses in men in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and South Florida.
This prostatic problem happens when prostate gland cells multiply, leading to swelling and putting pressure on the urinary tract. Age plays a significant role due to hormonal changes over time, though the exact cause isn’t known. Risk factors like a family history of prostate issues, reproductive abnormalities, bladder or kidney stones, nerve problems in the bladder, scarring in the bladder neck, and bladder cancer all contribute to your chances of BPH.
Whatever the cause, the resulting issues with BPH lead to many problems when trying to urinate. These include urinating more frequently, pain after peeing or ejaculating, straining to start peeing, starting and stopping while urinating, weak or dribbling pee, and feeling like your bladder doesn’t empty.
A bigger enlarged prostate doesn’t mean the problems are worse; smaller growth can also lead to blockages, depending on where the growth occurs. The effects of BPH are unique to every man, but if you’re between 45 and 80, you have a 90% chance of dealing with symptoms at some point.
We have several diagnostic tools to determine if you have BPH, such as digital rectal exams, cystoscopy, ultrasound, X-rays, urine flow studies, and post-void volume assessment. We can also check your prostate-specific antigen levels in your blood to rule out cancer.
When treating BPH, early detection keeps things from worsening throughout your urinary system, so lifestyle changes like routine exercise, avoiding drinking before bed, and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake can help lower the problems caused by BPH. We treat obstructive issues with drugs or transurethral needle ablation (TUNA).
The urinary struggles that accompany BPH are frustrating and embarrassing, but you don’t have to live with them. Call or message the Urology Center of Florida team today to get BPH under control.
