Prostate Enlargement: First Signs | What Causes Enlarged Prostate?

29 Mar Prostate Enlargement: First Signs | What Causes Enlarged Prostate?

Prostate enlargement is a natural aging process every man goes through. However, after a certain stage, it can cause severe discomfort.

The prostate is an important part of the male reproductive system as it secretes the components of your semen.

Usually small-sized and walnut-shaped, the prostate grows in two phases:

• The first phase of growth is during puberty when the prostate doubles up in size.
• The second phase starts from the age of 25 and goes on throughout life.

Initially, the prostate enlargement doesn’t cause any discomfort, but when the prostate grows enough to press against the urethra, the signs of prostate issues begin.

This condition is medically termed Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. While it is non-cancerous, it can cause symptoms similar to cancer when left untreated.

Hence, identifying enlarged prostate symptoms and signs is vital for early diagnosis and treatment.

First Signs of an Enlarged Prostate/Prostate Enlargement

The Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia symptoms are mostly seen around the lower urinary tract as the gland is anatomically located around the urethra.

Moreover, it is most commonly seen among people in the age group of 50 years and has been rarely reported by people below 40.

Initially, the signs of an enlarged prostate are not severe, but as you age they start becoming severe and more indicative of the condition.

The BPH symptoms can be broadly classified into two groups:

• Obstructive symptoms,
• and the symptoms that begin in your bladder.

Obstructive Signs of Prostate Problems

Since the prostate is located around the urethra, its abnormal growth exerts pressure on the urethra.

This could cause narrowing of the urethra and result in symptoms like:

#1. Urinary Retention

It is a condition where your bladder is not empty. This condition is characterized by the inability to urinate even after having the urge. You can even face difficulty in starting to urinate, which is called hesitancy.

#2. Painful Urination

The pressure exerted by the prostate on the urethra could lead to its swelling, leading to a burning sensation every time you urinate.

#3. A Weak Stream of Urine

Since prostate enlargement can cause blockage of the urethra, chances of weak urine stream increase.

#4. Dribbling at the End of Urination

This could either be because of a blocked urethra or because of a weakened urinary bladder.

Besides these signs, you can also experience some symptoms due to issues in the bladder.

Signs of Prostate Enlargement That Begin in the Bladder

When the prostate enlarges, it also affects the walls of the bladder which become thicker than before.

Initially, they don’t cause any problem but gradually the walls become weak and are unable to perform their functions of regulating urination well.

This leads to the following swollen prostate/enlarged prostate signs and symptoms:

#1. Urinary Incontinence

Also called bladder incontinence, it occurs when the bladder walls are incapable of managing voluntary actions.

This results in leakage of the stored urine. It could either cause constant leakage or can even hinder your control over urination.

#2. Urinating More at Night

Since an enlarged prostate pinches the urethra, it can close it to such an extent that it becomes difficult to empty your bladder.

Thus, it sends signals that create a constant urge to pee even at night.

#3. Strong Sudden Urges to Urinate

Usually one can control their urge to urinate to some extent, but an enlarged prostate removes this voluntary control of holding urine. Hence, you get strong urges to urinate.

Although these symptoms of prostate enlargement are commonly reported, they usually don’t define how enlarged your prostate is.

For example, people with a severely enlarged prostate might not show any symptoms of urinary retention, while those with minimum enlargement can show the symptoms.

Furthermore, sometimes, severe BPH can even show similarities to prostate cancer symptoms yet are treatable.

But for understanding the treatment, one must be aware of what causes prostate enlargement.

What Causes Enlarged Prostate?

The root causes of prostate enlargement among men are not clear.

However, most of the studies on the epidemiology of the condition show that it’s common in older age.

Some reviews also suggest that men who had their prostate removed before puberty didn’t show any prostate enlargement symptoms.

This indicates aging as the most influential factor behind the development of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

So, though prostate enlargement can affect all men, the risk is higher among a certain section of people.

Risk Factors of an Enlarged Prostate

The rate of development of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy in the normal growing prostate gland is higher in:

• People with a family history of benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Those suffering from systemic disorders like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases.
• People not into much physical activity.
• Patients with erectile dysfunction.

In spite of the higher risk rate, benign prostate hypertrophy is treatable in all sections of people with the proper diagnosis.

When to Visit a Doctor?

The symptoms of BPH can sometimes be confused with other prostate issues symptoms like in the case of prostatitis, the inflammation of the prostate gland.

In fact, it could also create confusion between bladder problems and urinary tract infections and even severe medical conditions like cancer.

Hence, it is important to visit a doctor when you start noticing the symptoms of prostate enlargement.

Most importantly, if you are facing severe symptoms like:

• Complete stoppage of urination
• Painful urination and burning sensations with frequent urgent to pee
• Blood in urine
• Severe abdominal ache

Visit the doctor as soon as possible as these signs could be suggestive of severe complications of the condition.

Complications of Prostate Enlargement

While the most prominent complication of prostate enlargement is complete urine retention because of bladder damage, it could also affect other areas:

1. Urinary Tract Infections

Since the prostate applies too much pressure on the urethra, it gets obstructed and the various wastes flowing through the urine start accumulating in the urethra, giving rise to UTI.

2. Kidney Damage

According to several studies, the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia can increase your risk of chronic kidney diseases by three times.

3. Bladder Stones

Because of incomplete emptying of the bladder, there could be formation and accumulation of small bladder stones.

4. Blood in Urine

This mostly occurs because of urinary tract infections.

However, not all patients suffering from BPH develop these complications. But when left untreated, kidney damage can occur, leading to severe health disorders.

The first step of treating an enlarged prostate is a diagnosis that starts with:

• Medical history
• Physical examination for provisional diagnosis
• Tests for final diagnosis

Diagnosis of Prostate Enlargement or BPH

The very first thing that your doctor asks when you consult him for your symptoms of prostate enlargement is a report on medical history with questions like:

• The frequency and onset of the symptoms
• Medications for any systemic illness or allergies
• Liquid intake
• Consumption of caffeine and alcohol

Post these, the confirmatory tests for BPH start. This comprises physical and chemical tests.

Physical Examination of Enlarged Prostate

The physical examination can either confirm the diagnosis or pave way for confirmatory chemical tests.

This type of examination is mainly about:

• Studying the discharge
• Looking for tenderness and enlargement around the nodes
• Scrotum examination for any swelling
• Tapping on certain parts of the scrotum and other areas
• Digital rectal examination to check for enlarged prostate

Following are the tests your doctor may perform.

Medical Tests to Diagnose Prostate Enlargement

Usually, the digital rectal examination confirms if it’s a case of prostate enlargement. Though, medical tests are done to look for any infections and severities in the urinary tract.

Some of the medical tests done for BPH include:

• A test for urine analysis – This test shows an infection in the urine.
• Blood tests – For examination of the PSA protein. People suffering from prostate enlargement produce more amounts of PSA than healthy people.
• Urodynamic tests – For examining the storage and release of urine from the bladder.
• Cystoscopy – To study the walls of the urethra and the urinary bladder.
• Biopsy – It examines a part of the prostate tissue to rule out any possibilities of prostate cancer.

Once these tests confirm the presence of prostate enlargement, a treatment plan is laid out.

Enlarged Prostate Treatment – What Can You Expect?

The treatment plan is laid out based on the severity of the symptoms and how they affect your quality of life.

For people suffering from mild prostate enlargement that doesn’t interfere with their daily life, lifestyle changes and home treatment are recommended.

But for patients with severe symptoms, medications and surgeries are used.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Enlarged Prostate

Try some of the following remedies for prostate enlargement.

Dietary Changes

Enlarged prostate produces more PSA proteins, which can further contribute to the development of complications.

But adding certain foods to your daily platter can reduce the formation of this protein:

1. Lycopene-Rich Foods

According to a study, eating lycopene-rich food can inhibit the spread and growth of BPH.

Some good sources of lycopene are red and pink veggies and fruits like:

• Tomatoes
• Watermelon
• Strawberries
• Papaya

2. Green Tea

Studies show that green tea helps relieve enlarged prostate symptoms pain in urination and lower urinary tract infections.

Although it doesn’t reduce the BPH, green tea may have relieving effects on almost all symptoms of the condition.

3. Pumpkin Seeds

They provide you with rich minerals like zinc that help enhance prostate health to some extent. It also reduces the BPH and relieves certain symptoms of the condition.

Herbs and Supplements

You can try going for natural herbal remedies.

However, note that herbal remedies are not yet proven for treating the signs of an enlarged prostate in large-scale studies.

In fact, you shouldn’t be using any herbal remedies without first consulting with your doctor. Some herbs may even interact with prescription medications. 

1. Saw Palmetto

They can relieve the symptoms of the lower urinary tract and also reduce the BPH from growing and giving rise to health complications.

Studies also find it good for prostate health.

2. Pygeum

Though there are limited studies on the effect of Pygeum, it was found to be effective in treating inflammation of the prostate.

It mainly alleviates the symptoms of the condition and is also a libido booster.

3. Ryegrass Pollen

Some studies show that it can be helpful in the treatment of symptomatic BPH but more studies are required to confirm it.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are advised for both severe and mild cases of prostate enlargement:

• Avoid taking too much liquid before going to a public area where frequent urination can be problematic for you.
• Reduce your alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Try various exercises for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles
• Prevent constipation

On the off chance, the home remedies don’t work, our answer to what is the best treatment for enlarged prostate would be drugs or surgery.

Medical Treatment of Enlarged Prostate

Doctors usually suggest medications for treating severe conditions of BPH, and the last option remains surgical procedures.

#1. Medications

The medications advised by doctors for prostate enlargements are mainly the ones that prevent any further growth of the gland.

Some medications that cause shrinkage of the prostate are also advised.

However, these medications mostly work for people with early diagnosis. In more severe cases, surgeries are advised.

#2. Surgery

Surgeries are advised when the medications and home remedies don’t work in favor of curing the growth.

The process usually involves removing certain tissues from the prostate gland, which relieves the symptoms but not completely cures the condition.

But what people don’t like about surgeries is the inflammation and swelling around the urethra that irritates urination.

Other complications of a surgical procedure can be the formation of clots, UTIs, and even sexual dysfunction.

What’s the Outlook?

Enlarged prostate is a common condition among older men. But usually, people ignore it until there’s a complete stoppage of urination.

Generally, the enlargement causes an effect on the lower urinary tract causing trouble in urination. Sometimes, it’s completely stopped whereas at other times it’s frequent.

Nonetheless, the condition could be treated by various methods, which even include home remedies.

But these remedies only work when there is an early diagnosis of the condition.

Thus, people shouldn’t be ignorant about any of the urinary tract-related symptoms as sometimes these symptoms could indicate something big.

If you suspect you’re experiencing any of the signs of an enlarged prostate, early diagnosis and remedial action is the most important part of the process.

Leave your comments down below to let us know if you’ve any more questions.

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