The unwanted symptoms of an enlarged prostate will plague millions of men in their lifetime. Whether the symptoms are mild or severe, no man wants to have to live with them. They often wonder, “What causes an enlarged prostate?”
What Causes an Enlarged Prostate?
Although the prostate starts out the size of a walnut, it typically grows larger with age. The exact cause of prostate enlargement is unclear, but it is thought to involve a combination of hormonal changes, genetics, and lifestyle factors. The medical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
What Are the Symptoms of BPH?
As the prostate gland grows bigger, it can press against the urethra, causing a range of urinary symptoms. Some men may experience:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Feeling like your bladder isn’t fully empty
- Dribbling after urination
Occasionally, men with an enlarged prostate do not experience any symptoms at all.
What Are the Risk Factors For BPH?
Some of the factors that can contribute to prostate enlargement include:
- Aging. In fact, the likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases after the age of 50.
- Hormonal changes. Testosterone and other hormone levels shift with age, which may trigger prostate growth.
- Family history. If other men in your family have had BPH, your risk of developing it may be higher.
It’s important to note that an enlarged prostate can sometimes be mistaken for a more serious condition like prostate cancer.
BPH vs. Prostate Cancer: What’s the Difference?
Both BPH and prostate cancer can cause similar urinary symptoms. However, there are significant differences.
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that does not spread to other parts of your body. It’s uncomfortable and inconvenient but generally not dangerous.
Prostate cancer, on the other hand, involves abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth. If not detected early, it can spread to other organs, such as your bones or lungs, and can be life-threatening.
It’s also possible to have prostate cancer without any noticeable symptoms. For this reason, regular screenings and visits to your doctor or urologist are necessary.
What Happens During a Prostate Exam?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate or are concerned about your prostate health, your doctor will perform an assessment, which may include a:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE). For this evaluation, your doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to feel the size and shape of your prostate.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. A blood sample from your arm measures PSA levels, which may be elevated in men with conditions such as BPH or prostate cancer.
Both tests are simple and can provide valuable information about your prostate health.
Your doctor may use imaging tests, such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans, to get a more detailed look at the prostate and surrounding areas. If there’s a suspicion of cancer, a biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis by examining a small sample of tissue.
See a Urologist for Enlarged Prostate Today
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or not, it’s easy to stay on top of your prostate health through regular checkups with an experienced urologist. If you’re over 50 or younger and at higher risk, talk to your doctor about prostate screenings. Detecting issues early on will give you more options for effective treatment.
For men who have already noticed symptoms of BPH, the first step is making sure it’s not due to cancer. Your doctor can then help you decide on which enlarged prostate treatment option is best for you.
Don’t continue to live with the unwanted symptoms of BPH – call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment today!