Prostate enlargement
Prostate enlargement (medical term: benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH for short) is a benign enlargement of the prostate. It mainly occurs in middle-aged and older men and is one of the most common urological changes in old age.
What is the prostate?
How does prostate enlargement develop?
Over the course of a lifetime, the tissue of the prostate can change and slowly grow. This process often begins from the age of 40 and progresses with age. The exact causes are not yet fully understood, but hormonal changes (especially the male sex hormone testosterone) play an important role.
What symptoms does prostate enlargement cause?
The growth of the prostate partially compresses the urethra. This can lead to the following typical symptoms:
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night (nocturnal urination = nocturia)
- Sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Difficulty starting the urination process
- Feeling of an incompletely emptied bladder
- In severe cases: Urinary retention (inability to urinate)
Is prostate enlargement dangerous?
Prostate enlargement is benign, i.e. not cancer. Nevertheless, it can significantly reduce the quality of life and should be checked by a doctor. Important: An enlarged prostate does not directly increase the risk of prostate cancer, but a urological check-up should be carried out regularly.
What treatment options are available?
There are different treatments depending on the extent of the symptoms:
- Wait and see with mild symptoms
- Herbal preparations such as pumpkin seed or saw palmetto extract
- Medication that reduces the volume of the prostate or relaxes the urethra
- Surgical procedures for severe symptoms, e.g. TUR-P (transurethral resection of the prostate)
When should you see a doctor?
If you have problems urinating or the urge to urinate at night increases, you should consult a urologist. Only a doctor can determine with certainty whether it is a harmless enlargement of the prostate or another disease.
Conclusion
Prostate enlargement is a common, age-related change in men. Although it is not dangerous, it can be a nuisance and should therefore be taken seriously. With modern therapies, the symptoms can be treated well in most cases.
This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. It is in no way a substitute for a professional examination or treatment by a licensed physician. If you have any health complaints or uncertainties, please always consult a medical professional – especially if you have any questions about intimate surgery or sexual health.
