What effects can an enlarged prostate have on health and how is it treated?
March 8, 2022 | 80,00 EUR | answered by Jan Schulz
Dear doctor,
My name is Bernhard Schmidt and I have been experiencing issues related to my prostate for some time now. I am 58 years old and recently discovered that my prostate is enlarged. I have noticed that I need to go to the bathroom more frequently, especially at night, and that my urine stream has become weaker. Additionally, I feel like I cannot completely empty my bladder and have a frequent urge to urinate. These symptoms are concerning to me and significantly impact my quality of life.
I am wondering what effects an enlarged prostate may have on my health and if it can cause serious complications. I am also interested in learning about the treatment options available and how effective they are. I would like to know if there are medications that can alleviate my symptoms, or if surgery is necessary. Furthermore, I would like to learn more about the possible side effects of the different treatment options and how long it typically takes for symptom improvement to occur.
Thank you in advance for your time and expertise in addressing my questions. I hope you can help me understand my issues with the enlarged prostate and take appropriate measures for treatment.
Sincerely,
Bernhard Schmidt
Dear Mr. Schmidt,
Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms related to your enlarged prostate. It is understandable that these symptoms are bothering you and affecting your quality of life. I would like to provide you with some information regarding your question.
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common problem in men as they age. It occurs when the prostate tissue enlarges and compresses the urethra, leading to symptoms such as increased urination frequency, weaker urine stream, frequent urination, and the feeling of not being able to fully empty the bladder. These symptoms are typical of an enlarged prostate and can occur in varying degrees of severity.
The effects of an enlarged prostate can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. In some cases, they can lead to serious complications such as urinary tract infections, urinary retention, or kidney problems. It is important to take these symptoms seriously and seek medical help.
When it comes to treatment options for an enlarged prostate, there are various approaches. Non-surgical treatment options include medications such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which aim to reduce muscle tension in the prostate and shrink the prostate tissue. These medications can help alleviate symptoms and improve urine flow rate. However, it is important to note that they may not be effective for all patients and may also cause side effects such as dizziness, ejaculation disorders, or erectile dysfunction.
If medication treatment is not sufficient or if the symptoms are severe, surgery may be necessary. Surgical procedures for treating an enlarged prostate include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser therapy, or prostate embolization. These procedures aim to remove or shrink the enlarged prostate tissue to improve symptoms and prevent complications.
The choice of treatment depends on various factors such as the severity of symptoms, your health, and your personal preferences. Your urologist will provide comprehensive advice and together with you, select the appropriate treatment option.
It is important to note that treating an enlarged prostate typically helps alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. However, it may take some time for symptoms to improve. Therefore, it is important to be patient and attend regular medical check-ups to monitor the progression of your condition.
I hope this information answers your questions and helps you better understand the issues with your enlarged prostate. Please do not hesitate to ask further questions or schedule an appointment with a urologist in your area for personalized advice and treatment.
Sincerely,
Jan Schulz, Urologist
