Is an Enlarged Prostate a Health Concern?
Dec 17, 2024
Waking up more than twice a night to visit the bathroom? If frequent nighttime urination is disrupting your sleep, it could be a sign of an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH affects about 50% of men between the ages of 51-60, and around 90% of men over the age of 80. While BPH isn’t a precursor to prostate cancer, it may cause bothersome urinary symptoms that can disrupt your daily life.
Board-certified urologist David B. Samadi, MD, offers innovative, minimally invasive treatments to reduce prostate size and alleviate symptoms. Read on to learn when an enlarged prostate may become a health concern.
The prostate gland is located just below your bladder, surrounding your urethra. It’s a major part of the male reproductive system, responsible for producing the fluid that mixes with sperm to become semen.
As the prostate naturally enlarges with age, it can put pressure on the urethra — the passageway that carries urine from the bladder. That pressure can lead to frustrating, uncomfortable urinary symptoms such as:
Without treatment, BPH can lead to kidney and bladder damage, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or a complete inability to urinate (urinary retention). However, not all men with an enlarged prostate experience symptoms.
While an enlarged prostate isn’t a sign of cancer, some symptoms of prostate cancer can mimic those of BPH. To catch prostate cancer early, Dr. Samadi recommends starting annual prostate screenings at age 50 — or earlier if you have certain risk factors.
If your enlarged prostate isn’t causing any noticeable symptoms, Dr. Samadi may recommend routine checkups to monitor your condition. Combined with healthy lifestyle changes, this conservative approach can help you reduce the risk of developing complications associated with BPH. Here are our tips:
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the prostate and improve your overall bladder function. Aim for a weight that’s healthy for you through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
These substances can worsen urinary symptoms like frequent urination by irritating the bladder. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake may help improve bladder control and cut down on the number of late-night bathroom trips.
The stresses of work, family, and everyday life can exacerbate bladder issues related to BPH. Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can relax the muscles of the bladder and reduce urinary urgency.
Straining during urination puts additional pressure on the prostate, and can actually worsen urinary symptoms. Relax your muscles and let the urine flow naturally. Make sure to go to the bathroom regularly to avoid the bladder strain that comes with holding urine too long.
For more concerning BPH symptoms, we may recommend medication or a surgical procedure, including minimally invasive options such as UroLift® or GreenLight™. Dr. Samadi can determine the most appropriate treatment options based on your individual condition and needs.
While an enlarged prostate may not always be a cause for concern, being aware of its potential risks can empower you to take control of your health. If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms, we’re here to help.
Dr. Samadi works out of our Central Midtown Manhattan, New York, office four days a week, and at St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center in East Hills, Long Island, once a week. Give us a call at 212-365-5000 to schedule an appointment today.