As men get older, their bodies undergo many changes, including an increase in prostate size, referred to as an enlarged prostate. A growing prostate can cause urinary symptoms that may impair the flow of urine from the bladder. The experienced team at Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in men’s urological health and provides treatment to relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate. For a consultation, call the office today or book an appointment online.
request an appointmentWhat is an enlarged prostate?
An enlarged prostate, also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects men as they get older. Your urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from your bladder out through your penis, passes through the center of your prostate gland, which is located under your bladder.
For some men, the prostate gland enlarges as they get older, which may block the urethra and cause urinary symptoms.
What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?
The severity of symptoms with an enlarged prostate vary but tend to worsen over time. Common symptoms that may indicate you have BPH include:
- Frequent urination
- Weak urine flow
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Increased frequency of urinary tract infections
- Blood-tinged urine
- Inability to urinate at all
You may also experience an increase in nighttime urination with an enlarged prostate. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact Urological Associates for an evaluation.
How is an enlarged prostate diagnosed?
Your doctor at Urological Associates conducts a comprehensive examination to determine if your symptoms are due to an enlarged prostate. In addition to a physical exam and review of your symptoms, you may also have:
- A digital rectal exam
- Blood tests, including prostate-specific antigen test
- Urine testing
- A urinary flow test
- A postvoid residual volume test
For more complex cases, your specialist may need to conduct special testing, such as a transrectal ultrasound to take a better look at your prostate gland.
What treatments can improve my enlarged prostate?
Your specialist at Urological Associates develops a personalized treatment plan to manage your enlarged prostate based on your symptoms, the size of your prostate, your age, and your overall health. Your treatment options may include medication to improve urine flow or shrink the prostate, or minimally invasive surgery to remove a portion of the enlarged prostate.
The doctors at Urological Associates offer the UroLift® System, which is a revolutionary treatment for an enlarged prostate that lifts and holds your prostate to prevent blockage of your urine flow. The UroLift is a one-time procedure that can provide you with rapid relief of your symptoms.
The team also offers prostate laser surgery which removes a portion of the enlarged prostate to help relieve symptoms.
An enlarged prostate is a common problem for many men. For an evaluation and treatment plan for your enlarged prostate, call Urological Associates today or book an appointment online.