What Is the Prostate?
The prostate is a male gland. It surrounds the urethra (urinary channel) that connects to the bladder. During a male鈥檚 fertile years, the prostate gland makes fluid that comes out during ejaculation. As men get older, their prostate may become enlarged. Most men will experience some prostate growth starting in their 30s. However, symptoms may not be noticeable until age 50 or later.
At 91麻豆天美直播, our urologists provide the full spectrum of treatment for men with an enlarged prostate 鈥 also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our highly trained specialists help diagnose enlarged prostate issues and offer a range of treatments, including conservative treatments, minimally invasive surgery options, and more advanced surgeries.
What Is the Normal Size of the Prostate Gland?
A normal-sized prostate is around 25 grams 鈥 approximately the size of a walnut. However, an enlarged prostate may grow well over three times the normal size (over 80 grams). The size of a man鈥檚 prostate varies from person to person. Size is just one of the many factors we consider when determining whether a man needs treatment for BPH.
Our doctors use a variety of tools to determine if you have an enlarged prostate and need treatment, including:
- physical examination,
- symptom discussion,
- severity of symptoms,
- diagnostic tests, and
- laboratory tests.
Prostate Enlargement Symptoms
The most common symptoms of BPH (enlarged prostate) relate to urinary function. You may experience:
- bladder obstruction, such as a slow stream of urine;
- starting and stopping while urinating;
- inability to empty your bladder completely;
- bladder irritation or discomfort;
- feeling an urgency to urinate;
- waking up multiple times at night to urinate; or
- urinary incontinence (an inability to control your bladder).
When you work harder to push urine out, these urinary symptoms could eventually put pressure on your bladder. This may lead to bladder abnormalities or other issues. It鈥檚 important to discuss any potential symptoms of BPH with your doctor.
When to See a Doctor
About half of all men over the age of 40 will experience some symptoms of BPH. If these symptoms become bothersome or interfere with your daily life, talk to your primary care provider or schedule an appointment to see a urology specialist. Ignoring your symptoms could lead to even more discomfort and disruption in your life. In severe cases, an enlarged prostate could lead to bladder or kidney problems if left untreated.
Enlarged Prostate Causes
The exact cause of BPH (enlarged prostate) is not known. Most men will experience prostate enlargement as they get older. Some risk factors that could contribute to prostate enlargement include:
- family history of enlarged prostate,
- being overweight or obese,
- living a sedentary lifestyle,
- diabetes,
- heart disease, and
- aging.
The following items don鈥檛 cause BPH, but could make your symptoms worse, including:
- certain prescription medications, such as beta blockers and diuretics;
- a class of antidepressants called tricyclic antidepressants;
- over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs);
- some types of beverages, such as alcohol, coffee, tea, or soda; and
- certain foods, such as red meat, spicy foods, or dairy.
Find a Urologist
How Is an Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed?
A primary care provider (PCP) or urologist will diagnose BPH (enlarged prostate) after a discussion of your symptoms and a physical exam. Your doctor may recommend additional tests or imaging if the cause is not clear or if they need to rule out other conditions. The specific tests you need, if any, will depend on your health, family history, and other factors.
These tests may include:
- Urine test
- Digital rectal exam 鈥 The doctor will use their finger to determine the prostate size and texture.
- Blood tests 鈥 These will help identify or rule out any kidney problems.
- PSA blood test 鈥 This test will identify any levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood, a chemical made by the prostate.
- Urinary flow test 鈥 This test will measure your urine volume and strength of the flow.
- Voiding diary 鈥 This journal will help you keep track of how often and how much you urinate in 24 hours.
- Transrectal ultrasound 鈥 We will insert a probe into your rectum that sends out high-energy sound waves to visualize and measure the size of your prostate.
- Urodynamic (pressure flow) study 鈥 During this study, a catheter (long, thin tube) will be inserted in your urethra.
- Cystoscopy 鈥 We will use a camera to view your urethra and bladder.
- UroCuff testing 鈥 The UroCuff is a noninvasive way to measure bladder pressure.
Is an Enlarged Prostate Cancerous?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia means that you are experiencing abnormal cell growth in your prostate, which causes it to get larger. Benign means it is not cancer. Studies have found no link between BPH and prostate cancer. In fact, an enlarged prostate will not increase your risk for developing prostate cancer.
If your urologist suspects that you might have prostate cancer, he or she will recommend diagnostic tests, such as:
- a prostate biopsy,
- PSA test (prostate-specific antigen, a chemical made by the prostate), or
- prostate MRI.
Some late-stage cancers may also show symptoms that are similar to an enlarged prostate, especially if your cancer is in the area of your urethra. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to get a proper diagnosis.
Schedule an Appointment to See a Urologist
Call U of U Health Urology at 801-213-2700 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced urologists.
You do not need a referral from your PCP to schedule an appointment with us. However, some insurance providers require that you get a referral before you see a specialist. Contact your insurance carrier with any questions you may have about your plan requirements.
