What Is an Enlarged Prostate?
What Is an Enlarged Prostate?
Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Current Treatment Methods for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
What Is an Enlarged Prostate?
Prostate enlargement, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a benign condition commonly seen in men, particularly after age 50, that results from an increase in the volume of the prostate gland.
As Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol frequently observes in his clinical practice, an enlarged prostate does not directly pose a life-threatening risk; however, if left untreated, it can significantly reduce quality of life.
The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra like a ring. As the prostate tissue enlarges, it puts pressure on the urethra and makes it difficult to pass urine. For this reason, the primary problems in patients with an enlarged prostate are **urinary symptoms**.
What Is the Function of the Prostate?
The prostate is an important part of the male reproductive system. Its primary functions are as follows:
* To produce a portion of the liquid component of semen
* To improve sperm motility
* Regulating the flow of semen during ejaculation
Although the prostate itself is a small organ, the effects it causes when it enlarges can be quite noticeable.
Why Does the Prostate Enlarge?
The most significant cause of prostate enlargement is **age-related hormonal changes**. Testosterone, the male hormone, is converted in prostate tissue into a more active hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT stimulates the proliferation of prostate cells.
### Factors That Trigger Prostate Enlargement
* Advanced age
* Family history of an enlarged prostate
* Obesity
* Metabolic syndrome
* Diabetes
* Physical inactivity
* Irregular eating habits
* Long-term stress
📌 In approximately 50% of men over the age of 60,
📌 Prostate enlargement is detected in more than 80% of men over the age of 80.
What Are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate usually develop **slowly and insidiously**. Patients often view these symptoms as a natural part of aging and delay seeing a doctor.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?
* Difficulty starting to urinate
* Weak urine stream
* Intermittent urination
* A feeling of not being able to fully empty the bladder
* Frequent urination
* Getting up at night to urinate (nocturia)
* Sudden urge to urinate
* Dribbling after urination
Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol specifically emphasizes that these symptoms are not unique to an enlarged prostate; bladder disorders, prostate cancer, and neurological problems can also cause similar symptoms.
Can an Enlarged Prostate Turn into Cancer?
This is one of the questions patients ask most often.
👉 **No.**
Benign prostate enlargement **does not develop into prostate cancer**. However, both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer **can coexist** in the same person. For this reason, regular follow-up is vital.
How Is an Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed?
An enlarged prostate can usually be diagnosed easily, painlessly, and quickly.
### Diagnostic Methods
**1. Patient History and Assessment of Symptoms**
The patient’s urinary habits, the number of times they get up at night to urinate, and their quality of life are assessed.
**2. IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score)**
It is a test that objectively measures the severity of the patient's symptoms.
**3. Digital Rectal Exam**
The size and firmness of the prostate are assessed.
**4. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test**
It serves as a guide for prostate cancer.
**5. Uroflowmetry (Urinary Flow Test)**
Urinary flow rate and duration are measured.
**6. Ultrasonography**
The prostate volume and the amount of urine remaining in the bladder are determined.
In **Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol**’s approach, medication or surgery is not automatically recommended for every patient diagnosed with an enlarged prostate; instead, a **personalized assessment** is conducted.
## What Happens If an Enlarged Prostate Is Left Untreated?
Untreated prostate enlargement can lead to serious problems over time:
* Urinary retention (inability to urinate at all)
* Recurrent urinary tract infections
* Bladder stone
* Permanent damage to the bladder muscle
* Kidney dysfunction
For this reason, even if the symptoms are mild, a urological examination should not be neglected.
What Are the Treatment Options for an Enlarged Prostate?
The treatment plan is determined based on the patient’s age, severity of symptoms, prostate volume, and expectations.
Medication Treatment
It is generally preferred for patients with mild to moderate symptoms.
* Alpha blockers (relieve urinary flow)
* 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (reduce prostate volume)
* Combination therapies
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Minimally Invasive Treatments
* Steam therapy (Rezum)
* Energy-based methods applied to the prostate
These methods may serve as an alternative to surgery for selected patients.
Surgical Treatments
It is used in patients who do not respond to medication or who have severe symptoms.
* Minimally invasive prostate surgeries
* Laser prostate surgeries
* Methods of prostate enucleation
Purpose:
* To permanently open the urethra
* To resolve complaints
* To improve the patient's quality of life
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Does an Enlarged Prostate Affect Your Sex Life?
An enlarged prostate and certain medications can indirectly affect sexual function.
However, with the right treatment plan, both urinary symptoms and sexual function can be preserved.
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Recommendations for Patients with an Enlarged Prostate
* Reduce your fluid intake in the evening
* Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake
* Avoid holding your urine for long periods of time
* Exercise regularly
* Don't neglect your annual urology checkups
Conclusion
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common but manageable condition that affects the vast majority of men. With early diagnosis and personalized treatment, successful outcomes can be achieved using both non-surgical and modern surgical methods.
In the approach endorsed by Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol, the goal is to improve not only the patient’s urinary symptoms but also their overall quality of life.
