Understanding an Enlarged Prostate
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.
