An exclusively male reproductive organ, the prostate gland is a walnut-shaped organ that is located just below a man’s bladder. It provides a key fluid that blends with sperm for fertilization.
The prostate actually surrounds the urethra, which is the channel that carries urine from the bladder to be released out of the body. As a man gets older, the prostate tends to change in size and shape, and it can thereby squeeze the urethra and cause difficulty when urinating.
This syndrome of an enlarged prostate is medically called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is estimated that about 50% of men over the age of 50 have an enlarged prostate, as do 90% of men over age 80. Let’s talk about what can be done to help alleviate the problematic symptoms caused by BPH, and where you can go for world-class urological treatment here in the Phoenix area.
What Are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?
As the prostate becomes enlarged, this change can lead to:
● Frequent and/or urgent need to urinate
● Weak urine stream
● Difficulty urinating
● Poor bladder emptying (urine retention)
● Urinary tract infection (UTI)
● Blood in the urine
While BPH is not cancerous, nor does it lead to cancer, it can interrupt sleep and can lead to issues in the urinary tract. This is why it is in your best interest to seek treatment for an enlarged prostate from an experienced urologist.
Treatments for an Enlarged Prostate
To determine treatments that would work for you, your urologist will review your health history, ask you about your symptoms, conduct a physical exam (digital rectal exam, or DRE) of your prostate, and draw a blood sample to check your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level.
If your urologist diagnoses you as having an enlarged prostate, your treatment options may include the following:
- Medication, such as Flomax, which enables easier and more complete bladder emptying
- UroLift bladder support
- Rezum water-vapor therapy to reduce the size of the prostate
- Resection, or cutting back, of part of the prostate
- Surgical removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy) for severe BPH
The treatment recommended by the doctor will depend on the severity of your symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, any underlying conditions you may have, and your preferences.
Get Treated for an Enlarged Prostate in Phoenix
Here at Ironwood Urology, Dr. Desi Avila will conduct a medical evaluation and determine whether your issue is indeed an enlarged prostate or something else. He will give you a diagnosis and explain your various treatment options.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Avila, contact our friendly staff at Ironwood Urology today by calling us at (480) 961-2323 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get back to feeling like yourself again.
