Men undergo a range of physical changes as they mature into adulthood, thanks to puberty. Hair growing in numerous places it hasn’t grown before, voice changes, growth spurts, and mood changes are all common things to expect. This is also true of sexual maturity during this time, when reproductive organs like the prostate become more critical.
Typically, this organ works to nourish semen and help move it through your penis during sexual activities. But, as men age, there is a higher chance that it grows and develops other issues. One such problem is benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate or BPH.
This condition isn’t often serious, but it can progress to a point at which medical treatment is necessary. In Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and the South Florida areas, men looking to manage issues with an enlarged prostate can find help with Drs. Craig Herman and Steven Kester, and the team at the Urology Center of Florida.
This small gland, located below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum, starts growing after age 40 in men, from the approximate size of a walnut to as large as a lemon over time. In the early stages, signs are negligible, but if it continues to grow, it can obstruct urine flow and create other problems in the bladder or elsewhere in the urinary tract.
Testing for BPH is necessary to isolate it as a cause of any urinary issues, as other conditions can cause similar symptoms. These conditions include urinary tract infections (UTIs), prostatic inflammation, kidney or bladder stones, urethral narrowing, nerve problems, or prostate cancer.
As an enlarged prostate becomes more of a problem, you’ll experience issues like incomplete bladder emptying, nocturia (having to urinate two or more times when trying to sleep), dribbling when trying to pee, incontinence, and strained or weak urination. Blood in the urine, or hematuria, is also common as this condition develops, as is pain when peeing.
Left untreated, an enlarged prostate leads to complications such as bladder or kidney damage, bladder or kidney stones, UTIs, and urinary retention.
When you start experiencing changes in your urinary habits, such as pain, straining, or weak flow, seeking medical attention is the best next step to stay ahead of possible complications or other underlying conditions. At this point, further screening to confirm problems in the gland can help us determine the next course of treatment.
Mild changes in size don’t generally require medical attention, and lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol consumption, limiting fluid intake before bed, and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, can often help. Mild to moderate issues with this condition can be managed with medications, sometimes combined with lifestyle changes.
Surgical options or other invasive methods are typically only necessary when non-invasive options have failed.
Whichever method is needed to manage your BPH issues, call or message us today to schedule an appointment with the Urology Center of Florida team to find the right solution to treat it.
