Enlarged Prostate / BPH
Enlarged Prostate Care in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation and treatment options for enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, including urinary symptoms, PSA testing, cystoscopy, urodynamic testing, medication options, and surgical care when needed.
The prostate is a golf ball-sized gland located under the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. While all of its functions are not known, the prostate adds fluid and nutrients to sperm to produce semen and allow the sperm to move more effectively. An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, is a common condition that occurs as men age. BPH causes the prostate to press against the urethra which results in urinary problems. It is believed that an enlarged prostate may be due to an excess of certain hormones in the body.
Enlarged prostate evaluation near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides enlarged prostate and BPH evaluation for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
As men mature, the prostate goes through two main growth phases, first during puberty and again around the age of 25. This second growth phase may continue for many years, and can eventually lead to an enlarged prostate later in life. In fact, more than 50 percent of men age 50 and older are affected by this condition. As the prostate expands, more and more urinary problems develop. Men with an enlarged prostate may experience:
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
- Slowed urine stream
- Frequent urination
- Sudden urge to urinate
As symptoms progress, patients may also develop bladder stones, blood in the urine or a bladder infection. This condition will continue to worsen if left untreated.
Difficulty starting urination, slowed stream, and trouble emptying the bladder can occur as the prostate presses against the urethra.
Frequent urination and sudden urges to urinate may develop as prostate enlargement progresses.
Progressive symptoms may be associated with bladder stones, blood in the urine, or bladder infection.
Diagnosis of an Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate is diagnosed after a thorough physical examination by a doctor, which may also include the following additional tests:
- Digital rectal exam
- Urinalysis
- Prostate specific antigen test or PSA
- Cystoscopy
A series of urodynamic tests may also be performed to evaluate the function of the bladder and the urinary tract.
A physical examination may help assess the prostate and guide additional testing.
Urine testing and prostate specific antigen testing may be part of the evaluation.
These tests may help evaluate the urinary tract, bladder function, and obstruction.
Non-Surgical Treatment of an Enlarged Prostate
Treatment for an enlarged prostate may vary depending on the severity of the condition. Patients with mild symptoms may only need to monitor their condition for signs that it is worsening, while more severe cases may require medication to inhibit hormone production or relax the muscle in the prostate. Two common types of medication for an enlarged prostate include:
Alpha Blockers
Alpha blockers relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate. They can help improve urine flow and reduce risk of bladder obstruction. They are often prescribed to men with smaller prostates.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
5-alpha reductase inhibitors block the male hormone that stimulates the prostate. These drugs are generally prescribed to men with significantly enlarged prostates. In addition to relieving symptoms, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors increase urinary flow and may even help shrink the prostate.
In some cases, a combination of both medications has proven to be effective in slowing the progression of the disease and alleviating symptoms.
Mild symptoms may only require monitoring for signs that the condition is worsening.
These medications relax muscles in the bladder and prostate to help improve urine flow.
These medications may help reduce hormone stimulation of the prostate and improve urinary flow.
Surgical Treatment of an Enlarged Prostate
In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. There are several different surgical procedures available for treating an enlarged prostate, including:
Transurethral Surgery
Transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, is a surgery used to treat an enlarged prostate with no external incisions. A resectoscope is inserted through the urethra, and tissue is cut away from the enlarged prostate.
Transurethral Needle Ablation
With transurethral needle ablation, or TUNA, needles are inserted in the prostate and emit low-level frequency radio waves that create a heat that destroys the prostate tissue. The TUNA procedure utilizes high-frequency radio waves to destroy the superfluous tissue of the prostate gland. Needles are inserted into the enlarged areas of the prostate gland and send high-frequency radio waves, which will destroy the tissue around the needles. This reduces pressure on the urethra, and therefore decrease urinary difficulties.
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy
Transurethral microwave thermotherapy, also known as TUMT, uses high-frequency radio waves to cause injury to the prostate and provides relief for bladder obstruction. The surgeon utilizes a special catheter, called an antenna, that is inserted through the urethra to a location inside the prostate. Microwave energy is then used to heat the inside of the prostate while cooling fluid is circulated around the microwave antenna to prevent heat from damaging the wall of the urethra. As the damaged prostate tissue heals, it shrinks significantly, reducing the blockage of urine flow.
Transurethral Vaporization of the Prostate
During transurethral vaporization of the prostate, also known as TUVP, an elecrode transmits a current that vaporizes prostate tissue. Using an instrument that delivers high-voltage electrical current, the doctor pinpoints the prostrate tissue that will be destroyed.
Open Surgery
In the case of a significantly enlarged prostate, open surgery is usually recommended. An incision is made in the lower abdomen and the interior of the prostate is removed, leaving the outer lining of compressed normal prostate tissue. This surgery results in the greatest increase in urinary flow of all treatment techniques.
Surgery for an enlarged prostate usually provides effective results for at least 15 years. Patients should continue to have rectal and prostate exams once a year and should see their doctor at the first sign of recurring symptoms.
There are a wide range of treatment options available for an enlarged prostrate and if treated promptly and effectively, patients can live relatively normal lives.
Surgery may remove or reduce prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow.
Annual rectal and prostate exams may be recommended, along with prompt evaluation if symptoms return.
Treatment selection depends on symptom severity, prostate size, urine flow, bladder function, PSA results, health history, medication tolerance, and personal goals.
Common questions about enlarged prostate.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. A urologist can evaluate urinary symptoms and recommend the right care options.
What is an enlarged prostate?
An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, is a common condition that occurs as men age. BPH causes the prostate to press against the urethra, which results in urinary problems.
What symptoms can an enlarged prostate cause?
Symptoms may include difficulty starting to urinate, inability to completely empty the bladder, slowed urine stream, frequent urination, and sudden urge to urinate.
Can enlarged prostate symptoms worsen?
Yes. As symptoms progress, patients may also develop bladder stones, blood in the urine, or a bladder infection. This condition will continue to worsen if left untreated.
How is an enlarged prostate diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include a thorough physical examination, digital rectal exam, urinalysis, prostate specific antigen test or PSA, cystoscopy, and urodynamic testing.
What non-surgical treatments are used for enlarged prostate?
Mild symptoms may only require monitoring. More severe symptoms may require medication, including alpha blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. In some cases, a combination of medications may be effective.
What are alpha blockers?
Alpha blockers relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate. They can help improve urine flow and reduce risk of bladder obstruction.
What are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors?
5-alpha reductase inhibitors block the male hormone that stimulates the prostate. They are generally prescribed to men with significantly enlarged prostates and may help improve urine flow or shrink the prostate.
When is surgery used for enlarged prostate?
Surgery may be required when prostate tissue blocks the flow of urine. Options may include TURP, transurethral needle ablation, transurethral microwave thermotherapy, transurethral vaporization of the prostate, or open surgery.
Where can I get enlarged prostate care near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides enlarged prostate and BPH evaluation in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule an enlarged prostate consultation in La Mesa.
If you are experiencing difficulty starting urination, weak stream, frequent urination, urgency, incomplete emptying, or nighttime urinary symptoms, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate your symptoms and discuss treatment options.