The prostate is a male reproductive gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. It surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body.
An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra and cause urination and bladder problems.
An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy. It is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer.
Alternative NamesBPH; Benign prostatic hypertrophy (hyperplasia); Prostate - enlarged
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and the testicles themselves may play a role in the growth of the gland. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.
Similarly, if the testicles are removed after a man develops BPH, the prostate begins to shrink in size.
Some facts about prostate enlargement:
Less than half of all men with BPH have symptoms of the disease, which include:
After taking a complete medical history, your doctor will perform a digital rectal exam to feel the prostate gland. The following tests may also be performed:
In addition, you may be asked to complete a form to evaluate the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Your score may be compared to past records to determine if the condition is getting worse.
TreatmentThe choice of a treatment is based on the severity of your symptoms, the extent to which they affect your daily life, and the presence of any other medical conditions. Treatment options include "watchful waiting," lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.
If you are over 60, you are more likely to have symptoms. But many men with an enlarged prostate have only minor symptoms. Self-care steps are often enough to make you feel better.
If you have BPH, you should have a yearly exam to monitor the progression of your symptoms and determine if any changes in treatment are necessary.
SELF-CARE
For mild symptoms:
MEDICATIONS
SAW PALMETTO
Many herbs have been tried for treating an enlarged prostate. Saw palmetto has been used by millions of men to ease BPH symptoms and is often recommended as an alternative to medication. Some studies have shown that it helps with symptoms, but there is evidence that this popular herb is no better than a dummy pill in relieving the signs and symptoms of BPH. Further studies are needed. If you use saw palmetto and think it works, ask your doctor if you should still take it.
SURGERY
Prostate surgery may be recommended if you have:
The choice of a specific surgical procedure is usually based on the severity of your symptoms and the size and shape of your prostate gland.
Most men who have prostate surgery have improvement in urine flow rates and symptoms. See prostate removal for a description of complications.
Other, less-invasive procedures are available. These use different forms of heat to destroy prostate tissue, including:
None of these techniques have been proven to be better than TURP. Patients who receive these less-invasive procedures are more likely to need surgery again after 5 or 10 years. However, these procedures may be a choice for:
Robot-guided prostatectomy is another newer technique. However, the technology is not widely available, and surgeon experience should be taken into consideration. In addition, there are no long-term studies of this surgery.
Another form of treatment is prostatic stents.
For more information, see prostate surgery.
Support GroupsSee: BPH support groups
ComplicationsMen who have had long-standing BPH with a gradual increase in symptoms may develop:
Even after surgical treatment, a recurrence of BPH may develop over time.
Calling your health care providerCall your doctor right away if you have:
Also call your doctor if:
Bent S, Kane C, Shinohara K, et al. Saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia. NEJM. 2006;354:557-566.
Abrams P, Chapple C, Khoury S, Roehrborn C, de la Rosette J; International Scientific Committee. Evaluation and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in older men. J Urol. 2009;181:1779-1787.
Kirby R, Lepor H. Evaluation and nonsurgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Novick AC, Partin AW, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 87.
Lourenco T, Pickard R, Vale L, Grant A, Fraser C, MacLennan G, et al. Minimally invasive treatments for benign prostatic enlargement: systematic review of randomised clinical trials. BMJ. 2008;337:a1662.
Roehrborn CG, McConnell JD. Benign prostatic hyperplasia: etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and natural history. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Novick AC, Partin AW, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 86.
Rich KT, Safranek S. PPIN's clinical inquiries: medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Am Fam Physician. 2008;77:665-666.
The prostate gland is located underneath the bladder and is about the size of a chestnut. Part of the urethra is encased within the prostate gland. As a man ages, the prostate typically enlarges in size in a process called benign hypertrophy (non-cancerous enlargement).
The enlarged prostate crowds its surrounding structures and may cause the urethra to narrow. The narrowed urethra results in several of the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Symptoms may include a slowed or delayed start in urination, the need to urinate frequently during the night, difficulty in emptying the bladder, a strong, sudden urge to urinate, and incontinence. Less than half of all men with BPH have symptoms of the disease, or their symptoms are minor and do not restrict their life style.
BPH is a normal physiological process of aging and treatment options are available. The choice of the appropriate treatment is based on the severity of the symptoms, the extent to which they effect lifestyle, and the presence of other medical conditions. Men with BPH should consult with their physician yearly to monitor the progression of the symptoms and decide the best course of treatment as needed.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 10/04/2008
David R. Knowles MD, Scottsdale Urologic Surgeons, Scottsdale, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
About 10% of all men eventually will require treatment for an enlarged prostate
The enlarged prostate wouldnt regulate the testosterone production in either direction.
Whether or not enlarged prostate is caused by hormonal changes in aging men, there is no known way of preventing it
cancer prostate
Enlarged prostate causes annoying trips to the bathroom due to leaking, or dribbling.
In men, an enlarged prostate gland can obstruct the bladder, causing overflow incontinence.
Yes, it is a kind of prostate shrinking method.
No.
cetirizine
na
The PSA (prostate specific antigen) is a test that is done to help diagnose the cause of an enlarged prostate. The blood test can't tell you the size of the prostate per se.
No. Someone having an enlarged prostate does not mean they will develop cancer.