Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH)

Advocate Health Care’s team of experienced urologists have extensive experience in helping you with prostate health management and finding solutions for disorders such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Often referred to as an enlarged prostate, BPH is the noncancerous growth of the prostate gland, the most common noncancerous tumor in men, or people assigned male at birth.

The prostate gland is located just beneath the bladder and surrounding the urethra. It is normally about the size of a walnut and plays a role in controlling urine flow and producing the fluid that safeguards sperm, known as semen.

BPH causes the gland to grow in size and obstructs urine flow out of the bladder through the urethra and cause other symptoms.

It's typical for the prostate to grow as men get older. While BPH itself is not cancerous, its symptoms could indicate the presence of prostate cancer or other serious conditions.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate

Given that the prostate surrounds the urethra, difficulty urinating is often an initial sign of an enlarged prostate. Common symptoms of BPH may include:

If you notice blood in urine or semen or if you experience erectile dysfunction, contact your urologist to make an appointment right away, as these symptoms could indicate prostate cancer.

Understanding BPH causes and risk factors

BPH affects one in four men by the age of 55. As you age, your prostate commonly undergoes growth, leading to an enlarged prostate gland, or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The cause of an enlarged prostate remains unknown, but research suggests that factors such as age, low testosterone levels and changes in testicular cells may increase your risk of developing BPH.

Additionally, while BPH doesn't necessarily increase the risk of prostate cancer, both conditions share similar symptoms. Therefore, it's recommended that men, especially those with a family history or increased risk, undergo regular prostate screenings starting at age 55 or earlier.

BPH diagnosing and testing

Discuss your BPH symptoms with your urologist, even if they aren't causing significant discomfort. Without proper treatment, BPH may lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney damage, blood in urine (hematuria) or bladder stones.

Your Advocate urologist will conduct a physical exam and review your medical history. Tests may include a rectal examination to check for hard areas in the prostate, as well as additional assessments like ultrasound, urine tests or cystoscopy to examine the bladder.

Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and review your medical history. Tests may include a rectal examination to check for lumps or hard areas in the prostate, as well as additional assessments like ultrasound, urine tests or cystoscopy to examine the bladder.

Treatment options

Your provider may only recommend regular exams to monitor your enlarged prostate if symptoms are mild or not noticeable.

If treatment is required, medications to relax prostate muscles and reduce urethral tension may be prescribed. In severe cases where the enlarged prostate significantly blocks the urethra, surgery to remove the prostate may be recommended.

Minimally invasive treatments such as prostatic urethral lift or water vapor therapy may also be options. Both are outpatient procedures that allow for a quick return to normal activities in just a few days.

Living with an enlarged prostate

While there is no cure for BPH, lifestyle changes such as adjusting your diet and increasing exercise may benefit prostate health.

Dietary changes such as including citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes and turmeric in your diet may help improve prostate health. Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, red meat and excessive salt, as these foods could worsen your prostate enlargement.

If symptoms are painful or include blood in urine, contact your urologist right away.