Benign prostatic hyperplasia describes the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
As alluded to previously, most men encounter prostate enlargement at some point in their lives, most commonly after 45 or 50 years of age. According to the American Urological Association, 50% of men will exhibit signs of an enlarged prostate by age 60. That statistic increases to 90% for men over the age of 85. Symptoms associated with prostate enlargement generally include:
- Urgent or weak urination
- Difficulty starting urinary stream
- Nighttime urination
If left untreated, symptoms may progress to the following:
- Bladder infection or stones
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
- Sudden blockage of urinary tract
- Kidney damage
How Is An Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed?
A digital rectal examination is usually administered to determine whether or not a patient has an enlarged prostate. This exam helps your urologist estimate the size of your prostate and rule out any serious conditions like prostate cancer. Other tests may also be administered to diagnose an enlarged prostate, some of which include:
- Urinalysis
- BPH Symptom Score Index Survey
- Urine Flow Study
How Is An Enlarged Prostate Treated?
If your urologist determines you have non-cancerous prostate enlargement, he may treat it using the following methods:
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
- Greenlight Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) (offered in office as well as the hospital)
- Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA)
- Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT) (Prolieve)
- Saline TURP
- Medical Therapy (Medications)
Call Affiliated Urologists today if you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, or if you feel you’re suffering from an enlarged prostate.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or click here for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
