Wellstar Community Outreach

If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, you’re not alone—and effective treatment is available. At Wellstar, patients have access to advanced urology care close by, including personalized treatment options designed to improve comfort and quality of life.

What is an enlarged prostate?

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is one of the most common conditions affecting men over 50.

The prostate is a gland located below the bladder that helps produce semen. As men age, the prostate naturally grows larger. For some men, the enlarged prostate can press against the urethra and block the flow of urine, leading to bothersome urinary symptoms.

What symptoms should I be aware of?

Common symptoms of BPH include frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted urinary stream, waking up at night to urinate and feeling like the bladder is not fully empty.

In severe cases, some men may have difficulty urinating at all. If you are experiencing these symptoms, your primary care physician may recommend seeing a urologist.

Should I worry about prostate cancer?

Not necessarily. BPH is a non-cancerous condition and is separate from prostate cancer. However, a urologist may recommend routine prostate cancer screening based on your age, symptoms and overall risk factors.

What should I expect during a urology visit?

Your first visit will include a discussion about your symptoms, medical history and overall health. Additional testing—such as lab work, a physical exam or specialized imaging—may also be recommended to better evaluate the prostate and bladder.

What treatments are available for BPH?

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how much they are affecting daily life. For some men, simple lifestyle changes—such as limiting caffeine and alcohol, reducing fluids before bedtime and following a regular bathroom schedule—may help relieve symptoms.

Medications are often the next step and can help improve urine flow, relax muscles around the bladder and prostate, or shrink the prostate over time. If symptoms continue or become more severe, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be recommended. Today, many treatments use advanced technology designed to reduce recovery time and improve comfort. Options may include laser therapies, water-vapor treatments, image-guided procedures that remove excess prostate tissue, procedures that gently widen the urinary channel, or robotic-assisted surgery for larger prostates. At Wellstar, urologists use advanced robotic technology, including the da Vinci surgical system, to provide precise treatment through small incisions. This helps many patients experience less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

The good news is that men have more treatment options than ever before. Your urologist can help create a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, lifestyle and goals.

Learn more about prostate care and other urology services at Wellstar.

Check in for a check-up.

Preventative check-ups and screenings help kids stay ahead of health issues. During an annual wellness visit, our pediatricians will ensure your child is up to date on their vaccinations and talk to you about which immunizations are recommended to prevent disease. They will also help you navigate school health requirements.

“We believe in treating the whole child. What I mean by that is, of course, their physical health is very important, but we also feel that their emotional health is very important,” said Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatrician Dr. Brandi Lewis. “Our goal is for all our patients to be resilient, happy and healthy.”

Eat healthy.

Teach children about good nutrition by encouraging them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limiting sugary drinks and snacks. When kids head back to school, keep them on the right track with healthy after-school snacks.

Stay hydrated and keep cool.

Make sure kids drink plenty of water to help their bodies regulate temperature. Summer athletes should drink up to 20 ounces before practice and 5 ounces every 15 minutes during the activity. On especially hot days, it’s also important to remind your children about moderation: They should take frequent breaks in shady areas, and make sure they don’t push themselves too hard. 

“Kids can become dehydrated faster than adults,” said Dr. Eric Berg, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia medical director of pediatric surgical services. “If they’re already thirsty, they may already be mildly dehydrated.”

Move your body.

Children should have around 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity every day. Staying active can be a fun family activity—ride bikes, play tag or go for a walk.

Get sports-ready.

Schedule your child’s sports physical before game day arrives. Their care team will check their heart, lungs and overall health so they can feel their best on and off the field.

“Sports physicals are important to screen for any underlying conditions that might put your child at increased risk versus some of their peers,” Dr. Berg said.

Catch some z’s.

Kids 3 to 5 years old should get about 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day. Children 6 to 12 years old should get nine to 12 hours, and teens need about 8 to 10 hours.

Practice good hygiene.

Show children how to wash their hands properly and remind them to do it frequently. Do not send your children to school if they are sick.

Wear backpacks properly.

Kids' backpacks should not weigh more than 10 to 15% of their body weight. For example, if your child weighs 60 pounds, their backpack should be under 6 to 9 pounds.

“A poorly fitted or overloaded backpack can place extra strain on a growing child's back, neck and shoulders,” said Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Albert Pendleton. “Watch for signs like shoulder pain, red strap marks or leaning forward while walking.”

Understand your emotions.

Emotional well-being is as important as physical health, and the new school year comes with a lot of change for kids. Help your child understand their feelings and how to cope by listening and validating their thoughts, talking through expectations, visiting their school and new classrooms, and looking ahead to what the year could be like.

With more than 80 pediatric locations across Georgia, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is always here to support families through the big leaps, growing pains and everything in between. Find a pediatrician near you and book your child’s back-to-school exam so they can start the year strong.