How Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, ask you questions and perform a physical examination. Part of the physical exam involves a digital rectal exam.
During a digital rectal exam, your healthcare provider will carefully insert their gloved digit into your rectum. Theyll feel the edges and surface of your prostate, estimate the size of your prostate and detect any hard areas that could be cancer.
Your healthcare provider may also order:
- A survey to evaluate the severity of your symptoms.
- A urine flow test to measure the speed of your pee stream.
- A study to detect how much pee remains in your bladder after youve finished peeing.
- A cystoscopy to look into your bladder.
Signs And Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Most prostate cancers are found early, through screening. Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. More advanced prostate cancers can sometimes cause symptoms, such as:
- Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night
- Trouble getting an erection
- Pain in the hips, back , chest , or other areas from cancer that has spread to bones
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord
Most of these problems are more likely to be caused by something other than prostate cancer. For example, trouble urinating is much more often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia , a non-cancerous growth of the prostate. Still, its important to tell your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed. Some men might need more tests to check for prostate cancer.
What You Need To Know About The Prostate Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate Mayo Clinic
A enlarged prostate can also cause blockages in the urethra. A blocked urethra can also damage the kidneys. A patient suffering from an enlargement of the prostate may have pain in his lower abdomen and genitals. If pain is present, a digital rectal examination will reveal hard areas. A doctor may prescribe surgery or perform an endoscopic procedure. If the enlarged prostate is not completely removed, it will shrink.
While the size of an enlarged prostate will influence the extent of urinary symptoms, men may experience a range of urinary symptoms. Some men have minimal or no symptoms at all. Some men will have a very enlarged prostate, whereas others will have a mild enlargement. Generally, the symptoms can stabilize over time. Some men may have an enlarged prostate but not notice it. If they have an enlarged colon, their physician can perform a TURP procedure.
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What Are The Warning Signs Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Your prostate surrounds your urethra. When BPH causes your prostate to grow, it can cause blockage in your urethra. As a result, early symptoms of BPH include:
- Slowness or dribbling when you pee.
- Difficulty starting to pee.
- Kidney damage due to pee backflow from your bladder up to your kidney. The pee backflow increases pressure on your kidney.
What Is The Difference Between Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia And Benign Prostatic Enlargement
BPH is the name of a condition that causes your prostate to increase in size.
Benign prostatic enlargement is a term that healthcare providers use to describe the increased size of your prostate gland due to BPH.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a very common condition that affects men and people assigned male at birth. BPH usually develops around the age of 55. If you have mild BPH, you and your healthcare provider may choose to monitor your symptoms through regular appointments. If BPH affects your quality of life, treatments can help shrink your prostate.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of BPH. Together, you can discuss the best course of action.
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Symptomatic treatment of an enlarged prostate usually involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be the best option if you suffer from chronic urination. It will help the body adjust to the increased size of the prostate. Also, taking regular urination intervals will help retrain the bladder to function properly. Inactivity also contributes to urine retention, and cold temperatures can increase the urge to urinate.
Invasive treatment of enlarged prostate includes medication that relieves the pressure on the urethra and bladder. However, if the condition is severe, it may require surgical intervention. If treatment is not successful, the enlarged prostate can become a potentially life-threatening disease. As the hormone levels in the body change, the enlarged prostate can lead to various complications, including urinary retention and even cancer. This is why it is critical to see a doctor for further evaluation.
The Initial Causes Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer Mayo Clinic
One of the first symptoms of prostate issues is pain or tenderness in the groin or lower back. This can be the result of a noncancerous condition called enlarged prostatic tissue, or it could be an infection of the bladder. In either case, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If youre suffering from prostate pain, you may want to consider reducing your caffeine intake.
Another symptom of a potentially enlarged prostate is difficulty starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. These symptoms are not serious, but theyre still alarming. Most men put up with an enlarged prostate for years before seeking medical attention, but they typically seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms. Even if you dont have symptoms, its worth getting checked to determine if you have any prostate issues.
If you experience nightly bathroom runs, you may be experiencing an enlarged prostate. You may be having difficulty starting a stream of urine, or you may even be dribbling or leaking during the day. These problems arent life-threatening, but can become a nuisance. You should not ignore these signs and seek treatment as soon as you notice them. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
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The Initial Causes Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate Mayo Clinic
One of the first symptoms of prostate issues is pain or tenderness in the groin or lower back. This can be the result of a noncancerous condition called enlarged prostatic tissue, or it could be an infection of the bladder. In either case, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If youre suffering from prostate pain, you may want to consider reducing your caffeine intake.
Another symptom of a potentially enlarged prostate is difficulty starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. These symptoms are not serious, but theyre still alarming. Most men put up with an enlarged prostate for years before seeking medical attention, but they typically seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms. Even if you dont have symptoms, its worth getting checked to determine if you have any prostate issues.
If you experience nightly bathroom runs, you may be experiencing an enlarged prostate. You may be having difficulty starting a stream of urine, or you may even be dribbling or leaking during the day. These problems arent life-threatening, but can become a nuisance. You should not ignore these signs and seek treatment as soon as you notice them. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
There Are Two Types Of Bph Symptoms: 34
Obstructive Symptoms
- Needing to strain or apply pressure
- Having a weak stream
- When you stop and restart urinating several times
- Leaking or dribbling when you finish urinating
Bladder-related Symptoms
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Not being able to fully empty the bladder
- Waking up at night to go to the bathroom often, known as nocturia
In addition to the obstruction and bladder-related symptoms, there are some urinary issues that may occur if BPH is left untreated. These include:5
- Urinary tract infection
- Blood in the urine
- Kidney damage because of retaining large amounts of extra urine in the bladder
Its important to note that your prostate size is not necessarily related to how severe your symptoms are. Men with very enlarged prostates can experience mild urinary symptoms, while others with just slightly enlarged prostates can have serious symptoms.6 BPH symptoms can be different for each person. Mild or not, it’s important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms. The good news is that there are several options available to treat BPH, including natural remedies, medications and in-office treatments like Rezm Water Vapor Therapy. Speak with your doctor to determine which enlarged prostate treatment might work best for you. You can learn more about BPH treatment options here. And if you need to find a doctor locally, we can help.
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Another type of prostate issue is chronic prostatitis, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This condition causes pain in the lower back and groin area, and may cause urinary retention. Symptoms include leaking and discomfort. In severe cases, a catheter may be required to relieve the symptoms. If the problem is unresponsive to other treatments, your doctor may suggest a surgical procedure. If these do not work, your symptoms could progress and become chronic.
An acute bacterial infection can cause a burning sensation. Inflammation of the prostate can affect the bladder and result in discomfort and other symptoms. This is the most common urinary tract problem in men under 50, and the third most common in men over 65. The symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis are similar to those of CPPS. Patients may experience a fever or chills as a result of the infection.
What To Expect With Steam Therapy
Steam therapy is performed under local anesthesia in the clinic. Most patients report mild discomfort during treatment but no pain. No incisions are needed.
During the treatment, a physician inserts a small needle into the urethra and positions it within the prostate gland. In nine seconds, the needle produces a 2-centimeter-wide steam ball that shrinks surrounding prostate tissue. It does not carry heat outside the prostate or affect other surrounding tissues. The number of treatments increases with prostate size but can be completely treated during one visit.
The needle is removed, and a temporary catheter is placed to drain urine from the bladder. This catheter is usually removed after three to five days.
Most patients can return home the same day as steam therapy and resume regular activities within a few days. Initially, benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms may worsen before they improve. This is because the treatment causes some swelling. Some patients start to experience fewer benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms within two weeks, and most see improvements by six weeks.
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When Should You See A Provider
If symptoms are getting worse or they’re bothering you more, then it’s time to make an appointment with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a urologist, if necessary. Even minor changes in symptoms could prompt an evaluation.
Late symptoms of BPH include urinary tract infections, difficulty or inability urinating, development of bladder stones, kidney damage and even permanent bladder damage. It’s important for you to be evaluated if you have any of these conditions.
The first line of treatment is making changes to behavior, including avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine and soda, preventing the bladder from getting too full by urinating every three to four hours during the day, and limiting fluid intake before bedtime. Weight loss and exercise also have been shown to be beneficial.
Adam Miller, M.D., is a urologist practicing in Albert Lea, Austin, and Rochester, Minnesota.
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Treatment Options For Enlarged Prostate
For men over 50, prostate problems are common. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and surrounds the top portion of the urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder. The prostate’s primary function is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
As men age, the prostate gland tends to grow larger. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called prostate gland enlargement, can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder, or bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. Fortunately, a wide variety of treatments are available for enlarged prostate, including medication, minimally invasive therapies and surgery.
On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Mitchell Humphreys, a Mayo Clinic urologist, will highlight prostate health and treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Also on the program, Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, will discuss sex after a heart attack. And Dr. Bruce Levy, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon, will share how his patients’ experiences with lack of privacy during surgery led him and his wife to found a new company, COVR Medical.
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Can Cause Uncomfortable Symptoms Including:
- A slow or weak urine stream.
- A feeling of urine still in the bladder.
- Taking a long time to empty the bladder.
- Getting up multiple times at night to urinate.
Of those with an enlarged prostate, about half have symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Steam therapy, also called water vapor thermal therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment option to reduce the size of the prostate and lessen symptoms. It has been shown to effectively eliminate excess prostate tissue and has a low risk of side effects. It is effective for treating small and average-size prostates.
Does Having Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Increase The Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Research shows that having BPH doesnt increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. However, BPH and prostate cancer have similar symptoms. If you have BPH, you may have undetected prostate cancer at the same time.
To help detect prostate cancer in its early stages, every person with a prostate should get a prostate screening every year between the ages of 55 and 69. You have an increased risk of getting prostate cancer if youre Black or have a family history of prostate cancer. If you have an increased risk of prostate cancer, you should start getting prostate screenings at age 40.
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What Causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Healthcare providers and medical researchers arent sure what causes BPH.
One theory is that, as you age, the amount of testosterone in your body decreases . At the same time, your estrogen levels remain the same. These hormone changes may cause your prostate cells to grow. However, people who take supplemental testosterone may develop or worsen BPH.
Older men and people AMAB also have higher levels of dihydrotestosterone . DHT is a more potent form of testosterone that increases the size of your prostate.
What Is The Difference Between Prostate Cancer And Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer that develops in your prostate gland. Early-stage prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms. However, as it progresses, it shares many of the same symptoms as BPH. These symptoms include a weak urine flow, pain when ejaculating or peeing and frequent urges to pee. Prostate cancer may spread to your bones, lymph nodes or other parts of your body. Treatment options include radiation therapy and surgery.
BPH symptoms are similar to prostate cancer symptoms. However, BPH isnt cancer, and it doesnt increase your risk of developing cancer. It wont spread to other parts of your body. Treatment options include medicines, surgery and minimally invasive procedures.
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Steam Therapy To Treat Enlarged Prostate
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Sterile steam has multiple uses in health care. It can sterilize surgical instruments, clear blocked nasal passages and humidify hospital rooms to limit the spread of pathogens. It also can be used in a minimally invasive therapy to treat an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition as men age. By age 60, about 30% of men show moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia that require treatment. By age 80, that number grows to 50%.
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Surgical procedures to remove the diseased prostate are usually necessary. Surgical procedures are not always necessary. If the disease is caused by bacterial infections, a doctor can treat the symptoms using alpha-blockers or surgery. Physical therapy, relaxation exercises, and warm baths are all recommended. A physician may also prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection. A bacterial infection can also cause a recurrence of the condition.
An enlarged prostate can be uncomfortable for both men and women. Some of the symptoms of an enlarged male reproductive organ include a weakened urine stream, urgent need to urinate, and urinary tract infections. BPH can also cause damage to the kidneys. A sudden inability to urinate can be life-threatening, as it can lead to bladder and kidney damage. Unfortunately, most men with enlarged prostrates put up with the symptoms for years before they seek treatment. However, many of the men with symptoms finally decide to go to a doctor for proper gynecological evaluation and to begin enlarged prostatic therapy.
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