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How Does An Enlarged Prostate Affect Urination

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Surgical Treatment For Enlarged Prostate

Mayo Clinic Minute: Steam treatment for enlarged prostate
  • Transurethral resection of the prostate . In this surgery, the inner portion of the prostate is removed. Used 90% of the time, this is the most commonly used surgical procedure for BPH.

  • Open prostatectomy .The surgeon makes an incision and removes the enlarged tissue from the prostate.

  • Laser surgery –Laser surgery uses laser energy to destroy prostate tissue and shrink the prostate.

  • Transurethral incision of the prostate .This surgery does not involve removing prostate tissue. A few small cuts are made in the prostate gland to reduce the prostate’s pressure on the urethra, making urination easier.

Inflammation Of The Prostate Gland

Bacteria sometimes cause prostatitis . More commonly, the underlying cause is uncertain. Consult your doctor promptly if you experience:

  • pain in the groin
  • urgent and frequent urination.

Treatment with antibiotics is essential for acute bacterial prostatitis. Admission to hospital is often necessary and, as with chronic bacterial prostatitis, specific antibacterial drugs are required for a long time.

When To Contact A Medical Professional

Contact your provider right away if you have:

  • Less urine than usual
  • Back, side, or abdominal pain
  • Blood or pus in your urine

Also contact your provider if:

  • Your bladder does not feel completely empty after you urinate.
  • You take medicines that may cause urinary problems, such as diuretics, antihistamines, antidepressants, or sedatives. DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider.
  • You have tried self-care steps for 2 months and symptoms have not improved.

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When Is Bph Treatment Necessary

The course of BPH in any individual is not predictable. Symptoms, as well as objective measurements of urethral obstruction, can remain stable for many years and may even improve over time for as many as one-third of men, according to some studies. In a study from the Mayo Clinic, urinary symptoms did not worsen over a 3.5-year period in 73% of men with mild BPH. A progressive decrease in the size and force of the urinary stream and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying are the symptoms most correlated with the eventual need for treatment. Although nocturia is one of the most annoying BPH symptoms, it does not predict the need for future intervention.

If worsening urethral obstruction is left untreated, possible complications are a thickened, irritable bladder with reduced capacity for urine infected residual urine or bladder stones and a backup of pressure that damages the kidneys.

  • Inadequate bladder emptying resulting in damage to the kidneys
  • Complete inability to urinate after acute urinary retention
  • Incontinence due to overfilling or increased sensitivity of the bladder
  • Bladder stones
  • Recurrent severe hematuria
  • Symptoms that trouble the patient enough to diminish his quality of life

Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate

Benign prostate enlargement

There are some common symptoms that men with enlarged prostates experience. While symptoms do tend to worsen over time, theyre still not linked to how much a prostate is enlarged. So having a larger prostate doesnt correlate to a higher severity in symptoms, which include:

  • Frequent or urgent urination
  • UTIs or urinary tract infections
  • Blood in urine

Because there are other conditions that can mimic those of an enlarged prostate, like kidney stones or even cancer of the reproductive system, its important to seek medical intervention as soon as you begin to notice abnormal symptoms like the ones above.

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Possible Cancer Protection From Prostate Drugs

Early research suggested that 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors , a class of drugs used to treat prostate enlargement, might increase the risk of developing more aggressive prostate cancer. However, newer studies have found that not only do the drugs appear to pose no extra risk, they may even protect against prostate cancer.

For instance, research from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial study in 2013 showed that taking the 5-ARI finasteride for seven years could lower the chance of getting low-grade prostate cancer by 25% among men ages 55 and older. A follow-up study of almost 9,500 men, published in the Nov. 1, 2018, issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also showed that finasteride lowered the risk by a similar amount , and found the protective effect lasted for at least 16 years.

Why Choose New York Urology Specialists For Treatment Of Urinary Retention Caused By Enlarged Prostate

  • All treatment is performed by a Board-certified urologist experienced in treating men with symptoms of BPH using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers and open surgery.
  • We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for treatment of BPH.
  • We offer BPH treatment options under local anesthesia which avoids the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia. Most men are able to return to office work and other normal activities the next day.
  • Extensive Experience: Hundreds of men treated successfully using medical therapy, Urolift, lasers for BPH , Bipolar TURP, traditional TURP, open suprapubic prostatectomy, robotic suprapubic prostatectomy for BPH.
  • We treat men with BPH who have heart problems , renal failure on hemodialysis, men on blood thinners such as aspirin, Lovenox, Coumadin , apixaban, rivaroxaban .

When it comes to experience and innovation New York Urology Specialists are a step ahead. Better Science Means Better Care. We specialize in minimally invasive highly effective treatment for symptoms of enlarged prostate and BPH. Many treatment procedures are performed in the convenience and privacy of office settings under local anesthesia.

Medicare and major insurances accepted. We offer .

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What Are The Risks Of Constant Urination In Men

There are no immediate and direct risks from frequent urination. However, there are numerous problems that frequent urination during the day and at night can lead to.

Constant urination, especially at night, can cause tiredness, sleepiness during the day, weakness and lack of energy. This can lead to multiple issues such as poor performance at work, interpersonal and family problems and sexual problems.

Urge to urinate can cause an inability to make it to the toilet to pee and lead to urinary incontinence.

Frequent urination can be a symptom of incomplete bladder emptying caused by an enlarged prostate. Incomplete bladder emptying can cause urinary tract infections . Incomplete bladder emptying can damage kidneys occasionally leading to renal failure and sometimes need for dialysis.

Cause Of Urinary Problems As Men Age

Enlarged Prostate Signs & Symptoms (& Why They Occur)

Many men experience urinary symptoms as they age, which may be caused by inflammation of the prostate gland . In older men, symptoms may be due to a blockage in the tubes due to a benign enlargement of the prostate gland . The most common symptom is difficulty emptying your bladder. Urinary symptoms may become bothersome enough that they require treatment. Not all urinary symptoms are due to changes to the prostate. Also, some men have enlarged prostates and yet experience few, if any, symptoms.

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Medications For Enlarged Prostate

There are two main classes of pharmaceuticals that work to alleviate enlarged prostate symptoms: alpha blockers and alpha reductase inhibitors

  • Alpha Blockers. Alpha blockers relax the smooth muscle around the bladder neck and within the urethra.

  • Inhibitors. Inhibitors stop the conversion of the male hormone testosterone to DHT to reduce the prostate’s size, eliminating blockage.

Dont be surprised if your physician prescribes a combination of the two medications, as they have been shown to work more effectively together than alone. The downside is that combination therapy may increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects from the medications. Be sure to work with your doctor to assess the benefits and costs before starting on combination therapy.

Many Men Live With Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

BPE happens to 50% of all men over 50 years and it gets even more frequent with increasing age. If you are one of them, its important to remember that you are not alone, and there is help available.

Many men with symptoms worry that it could be prostate cancer, and might be reluctant to seek help, but BPE and prostate cancer are two completely different conditions.

It may feel reassuring to know that BPE does not develop into prostate cancer. Hopefully a more serious diagnosis can be ruled out after an examination.

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Medication For Urinary Problems

Your doctor may suggest various medications to help ease your urinary problems, including:

  • medications to reduce the tone of the muscles of the urethra and prostate to minimise any constriction to urine flow caused when these muscles contract
  • medication to reduce the size of the prostate gland. These medications work by blocking the action of male hormones produced by the prostate gland
  • medications to relax the bladder, making unwanted contractions less likely and reducing the symptoms of urgency and frequency of urination
  • the over-the-counter preparation ‘saw palmetto’ is sometimes used. This may help some men, especially if frequent urination at night is a problem.

However, recent reviews of the evidence for using saw palmetto as a treatment for mild or moderate urinary symptoms did not show any improvement, compared to no treatment, in men with BPH.

What Happens When The Prostate Becomes Enlarged

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Various symptoms may occur. For example, you might have trouble urinating or fully emptying your bladder, and urine may sometimes drip from your penis. Urinating may be painful or urgent. And sometimes, even when you feel the need to urinate, it may take a little while for the urine to start flowing.

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How Common Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common prostate problem for men older than age 50. In 2010, as many as 14 million men in the United States had lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.1 Although benign prostatic hyperplasia rarely causes symptoms before age 40, the occurrence and symptoms increase with age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects about 50 percent of men between the ages of 51 and 60 and up to 90 percent of men older than 80.2

Prostate Problems And Related Urinary Symptoms

Many men have problems with the prostate at some time in their lives. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. Its located just below the bladder. The prostate surrounds the urethra . The main function of the prostate gland is to add fluid to the semen. When problems occur in the prostate, the bladder and urethra are often affected as well. The most common prostate problems are described below.

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An enlarged prostate can also be the cause of other problems. If the enlarged prostate is causing symptoms, the best treatment would be a natural remedy. In the meantime, there are treatments for a wide range of conditions that cause a man to experience pain. A common surgical procedure involves an electric loop, laser, or electro-stimulation. The procedure is a safe and effective option for treating enlarged or symptomatic BPH.

Enlarged Prostate And Erections

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Can an enlarged prostate cause erectile dysfunction? We dont know for certain that enlarged prostates cause ED but there is some data linking the two, and some BPH treatments, such as alpha blockers, can cause ED. Conversely, some erectile dysfunction treatments can in fact relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

So, can a swollen prostate cause erectile dysfunction? There simply havent been enough studies to confirm a link between erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostates. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction alongside symptoms of BPH, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor.

You can find out more about erectile dysfunction causes here.

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International Prostate Symptom Score

You’ll be asked to complete a questionnaire to assess your symptoms. Each question has five possible answers that carry a score, and your overall score is used to assess the severity of your symptoms.

The checklist includes the following questions.

Over the past month:

  • How often have you had the sensation of not completely emptying your bladder after urinating?
  • How often have you had to urinate again less than two hours after finishing urinating?
  • How often have you found that you stopped and started again when urinating?
  • How often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?
  • How often have you had a weak stream of urine?
  • How often have you had to push or strain to begin urinating during the course of one night?
  • How often have you had to get up during the night to urinate?

After your GP has assessed the severity your symptoms, they’ll aim to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms using certain tests.

Find The Best Treatment For An Enlarged Prostate You Have Options

There are various treatment options available, depending on the severity of symptoms. The options range from medication to shrink the prostate, to removal of prostate tissue in surgery.

At any stage, or as a long-time solution, your doctor might recommend symptom relief with the use of a catheter. This is a good option as it empties the bladder completely every time. Resulting in that you wont have to go to the toilet in the middle of the night or have to worry about embarrassing leaks.

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How An Enlarged Prostate Affects Daily Life

If your prostate is enlarged, you might experience:

  • Frequent trips to the bathroom, both during the day and at night

  • Difficulty starting and stopping a urine stream

  • Weak or slow urine stream

  • A sense that your bladder is not completely empty after urinating

  • Incontinence

  • Pain or discomfort during urination

BPH doesnt affect fertility or sexual activity and doesnt cause prostate cancer, but to prevent future problems, its important to see a urologist.

Schedule An Appointment With Dr Shteynshlyuger:

4 Natural Home Remedies For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH ...

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Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship trained board-certified with expertise in evaluation and treatment of urinary problems in men. He uses modern effective and proven treatment methods including prostate enucleation and Urolift for BPH. He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area.

He has successfully performed hundreds of prostate procedures in adults. Urolift procedures are performed in the office under local anesthesia, in a surgical center and affiliated hospitals under anesthesia.

If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyugers expert advice. Please feel free to Contact Us with any questions.

If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, pleasecontact us or call:

We offer affordable, highest-quality urology care with or without insurance. Find out our . We offer weekday, weekend, and evening office hours.

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What Causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is not well understood however, it occurs mainly in older men. Benign prostatic hyperplasia does not develop in men whose testicles were removed before puberty. For this reason, some researchers believe factors related to aging and the testicles may cause benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Throughout their lives, men produce testosterone, a male hormone, and small amounts of estrogen, a female hormone. As men age, the amount of active testosterone in their blood decreases, which leaves a higher proportion of estrogen. Scientific studies have suggested that benign prostatic hyperplasia may occur because the higher proportion of estrogen within the prostate increases the activity of substances that promote prostate cell growth.

Another theory focuses on dihydrotestosterone , a male hormone that plays a role in prostate development and growth. Some research has indicated that even with a drop in blood testosterone levels, older men continue to produce and accumulate high levels of DHT in the prostate. This accumulation of DHT may encourage prostate cells to continue to grow. Scientists have noted that men who do not produce DHT do not develop benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Can Constipation Harm Your Prostate

Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems. We all experience it at one point or another. The influence of constipation goes beyond feeling bloated, and it may extend to your prostate gland.

To describe how constipation harms the prostate, its important to mention your bowel is located right next to the prostate gland. Bowels carry waste and toxins, which start building up without regular bowel movements, i.e., in the presence of constipation.

Sometimes, excessive levels of these toxins can migrate to the nearby tissues, including the prostate tissue. When that happens, the prostate can become inflamed, and you experience pain and discomfort due to chronic bacterial prostatitis or acute bacterial prostatitis.

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Treatment For Enlarged Prostates

Well need to run a couple of tests to determine whether the symptoms you are experiencing are from an enlarged prostate or another urological issue. Depending on your age and a number of other physical factors, well recommend a treatment course from there.

You may need more conservative intervention like medication that helps to shrink the prostate, enable control over urination, and ease symptoms and discomfort. Or, if your enlarged prostate is more severe, you may need surgical intervention, which ranges from minimally invasive outpatient procedures, like laser therapy, to surgical procedures that require some recovery time.

Enlarged Prostate And Urination

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Outside of sexual dysfunction, difficulty urinating is the most common symptom of an enlarged prostate. This is because when the prostate becomes enlarged, it can press on the bladder and make it difficult to start urinating. You might also find that you have a very weak flow due to the pressure on your urethra, or even that you wake up regularly during the night to use the bathroom.

You should talk to your doctor if you have suddenly developed problems urinating. They might ask you to answer a series of questions to give you an International Prostate Symptom Score . This helps the clinician understand what treatment might be best for you and the general health of your water works.

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