As they age, many men will experience prostate enlargement. Also know as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the exact causes of the gland’s enlargement are still unknown. But now, thanks to a new study in Aging, we’re learning more about likely contributing causes.

Causes of Prostate Enlargement

Between the ages of 50 and 60, approximately 50% of men will develop BPH. And by the time they’re 80, close to 90% of men are affected. Clearly, prostate enlargement and aging are related in some ways. But now, this study in the journal Aging is helping us more precisely pinpoint what causes prostate enlargement.

For the study, researchers analyzed blood samples from 144 men with BPH and from 75 men without an enlarged prostate. They discovered that the men with BPH were more likely to show signs of oxidative stress, and/or to have some kind of metabolic syndrome such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. As such, they concluded, “There is mounting evidence that links the onset of inflammation with the development of prostate diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer."

Clues for Prevention

In the wake of these findings, researchers believe there may be new ways to prevent or slow the onset of BPH symptoms. Next, they hope to explore the effects of lifestyle habits such as weight management, exercise and an improved diet on BPH progression.

Now, while explorations are ongoing, there are steps you can take to reduce the impact of BPH on your life. You can try following this diet for enlarged prostate relief.  And, if you are experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as frequent urination and nocturia, you can reduce your intake of irritants such as caffeine and alcohol, and eliminate fluid intake two hours before bed time, in order to reduce your symptom burden.

Of course, none of these measures can reverse prostate enlargement. So, if symptoms persist, you may wish to explore PAE treatment, a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks your prostate by blocking the flow of blood to the gland. Available at the Texas Prostate Institute, you can explore your candidacy by [tx-apt-link] requesting a consultation. [/tx-apt-link].

When you have an enlarged prostate gland, you may develop lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as the larger gland presses against your bladder and urethra. These symptoms include a frequent or urgent need to urinate, as well as waking several times in the night because you have to pee. Now, night time waking is very common in men over the age of 50—in fact, surveys reveal that, after the age of 50, more than 80% of men wake up to pee at least once a month. Perhaps not surprisingly, that is the age when many men will experience prostate growth due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH.) So, can BPH keep you up at night? And can you resolve enlarged prostate sleep problems? Here’s what you need to know.

Enlarged Prostate Sleep Problems: How BPH Impacts Your Night

According to this study, a significant number of men with symptomatic BPH experience poor sleep quality. And certain BPH symptoms are more likely to keep you up at night than others, specifically:

• The frequent need to urinate, regardless of the time of day
• The urgent need to urinate, often with little warning

Not surprisingly, needing to urinate urgently and frequently is likely to disrupt your sleep. Moreover, waking frequently at night can take a toll on your overall quality of sleep, even when you aren’t up and running to the bathroom. And these enlarged prostate sleep problems don’t just impact men with BPH; about 64% of people whose partners’ have nocturia due to BPH report sleep disruptions, too.

Now, losing sleep isn’t just unpleasant or inconvenient. In fact, it can lead to memory loss; difficulties functioning throughout your day; increased stress; and an increased risk for depression as well as for diabetes. Luckily, these sleep disruptions don’t have to be permanent. By treating BPH, you can find symptom relief and enjoy improved sleep quality and duration.

BPH Treatment Options

When your enlarged prostate is causing sleep problems, you may find relief with a variety of treatment options. Some men will sleep better by eliminating all fluid intake in the two hours before bedtime. (It’s also helpful to limit or eliminate caffeine and alcohol intake, since both drinks can increase your need to urinate.) Other men may find symptom relief with medications such as Cialis for BPH.  But for lasting relief that shrinks your prostate—without surgery—you can explore PAE treatment (prostatic artery embolization). This minimally invasive procedure reduces blood flow to the prostate, in turn reducing its size and helping alleviate enlarged prostate sleep problems. A great option for men who wish to avoid surgery—and its associated side effects—you can explore your candidacy for PAE by requesting a consultation at the Texas Prostate Institute.

The prostate is a small gland that produces semen in your body. It typically enlarges as you age, causing symptoms in your lower urinary tract because it's located below the bladder. Now, some symptoms are minorly irritating, while others can be serious. So, how can you tell when to seek help for prostate problems? This is what you need to know.

Detecting prostate problems

Varying prostate problems share common symptoms, including:

• Urgency, or the frequent urge to urinate
• Getting up at night to urinate (nocturia)
• Hematuria, or blood in the urine
• Burning or pain upon urination
• Painful ejaculation
• Lower back pain, hip, pelvis, rectal and/or thigh pain or stiffness
• Difficulties with urinary flow

Be sure to mention any of these symptoms to your healthcare provider. Getting a complete picture of your health can help narrow down the cause of your prostate problems.

Diagnosing prostate conditions

Many conditions affecting your prostate present with similar symptoms. Some causes to consider include:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia, (BPH). What is BPH? This condition describes prostate enlargement that's not caused by cancer. It can be treated with medication, changes to your diet and lifestyle, or with PAE treatment in Texas.
• Acute or chronic prostatitis, a bacterial infection of the prostate that usually requires treatment with antibiotics.  
• Prostate cancer

By providing your physician with a complete description of your symptoms, and by seeking prompt medical care, diagnosing BPH, an infection or cancer should be simple. And, when BPH is causing prostate problems, simply request a consultation with the Texas Prostate Institute, where we can review your candidacy for minimally invasive, non-surgical Prostate Artery Embolization.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as frequent or urgent urination; nocturia (waking at night to urinate); or difficulties stopping or starting the flow of urine, you could have an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). But what’s involved in diagnosing BPH? And when should you see your doctor? Keep reading to learn more.

Understanding Prostate Enlargement

What is BPH? This condition affects about half of all men over 50; with BPH, your prostate cells grow faster than they normally would, causing your gland to become enlarged. In turn, the gland can press against the urethra, resulting in some of the BPH symptoms highlighted above. Recently, scientists have found a genetic link that increases susceptibility to BPH, but any person with a prostate can develop enlargement of the gland.

Diagnosing BPH

Men who experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) typically associated with prostate enlargement may see a healthcare provider for relief. But before treating symptoms, the doctor must determine the cause of the enlarged gland by diagnosing BPH and ruling out other conditions, including prostate cancer.

To determine the correct diagnosis, your doctor will likely begin your exam by conducting a digital rectal exam, inserting a gloved finger into your rectum to determine if your prostate is enlarged or if you have any other abnormalities. A blood test may be ordered to measure your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. If your numbers are high, you could have prostate enlargement, but you could also have other conditions.  As such, your doctor may order other tests, including a urine test; ultrasound; or even a biopsy. In combination, the diagnostic results will help with diagnosing BPH and ruling out other possible causes for prostate enlargement.

After the Diagnosis: What Comes Next?

After diagnosing BPH, your doctor will help guide you towards your ideal treatment options. Some men can manage their condition with lifestyle modifications, focusing on diet and fluid intake, and reducing bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol. Other men may manage their symptoms with medication—an exciting possibility since this new study reveals that certain BPH medications could help protect you from Lewy body dementia. Finally, if you are unable to find symptom relief from these treatment options, you may wish to explore Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) a minimally-invasive procedure to shrink the prostate. An ideal option for those who wish to avoid surgery, you can learn more about PAE and explore your candidacy by requesting a consultation at the Texas Prostate Institute.

If you are trying to relieve the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) your treatment options may include prostatic artery embolization (PAE) and Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). But how can you choose between PAE vs TURP? In this post, we’ll explore the efficacy and benefits of each procedure, along with costs and potential side effects, so that you can make a more informed decision.

PAE vs TURP: Understanding the Differences

Both PAE and TURP are medical procedures that can relieve BPH symptoms. PAE treatment, available at the Texas Prostate Institute, is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks an enlarged prostate by blocking its blood supply. It can be performed without general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. In contrast, TURP is a surgical procedure that excises tissue from the enlarged prostate gland. Performed under general anesthesia, TURP often requires recovering patients to stay overnight in the hospital.

Risks and Rewards

As a minimally invasive procedure, PAE is associated with minimal side effects and a fairly quick recovery period. Potential side effects are minimal and temporary; they can include pelvic pain and painful or frequent urination. And, while PAE is a relatively newer BPH treatment option, current evidence suggests that it delivers at least six years of symptom relief.

Now, as a surgical procedure, TURP comes with a longer and more painful recovery period when compared to PAE. Typically, you’ll need to spend one to three days in hospital after the procedure, and you will be catheterized for at least 24 hours. The risk for side effects is also greater; potential complications include painful urination, bleeding and retrograde ejaculation (when semen flows backward into your bladder instead of out your urethra.)

Cost of PAE vs TURP

Both treatment options should be covered by insurance, however you will likely still face some out-of-pocket expenses with either procedure. While costs will vary depending on your individual coverage, PAE is considered to be a less expensive option, likely because it does not require general anesthesia or a hospital stay.

Choosing Your Best BPH Treatment Option

If you’re choosing between PAE vs TURP for BPH relief, you’ll have to consider:

• Your age and current state of health
• Your medical history, including existing conditions that could preclude you from surgery
• The severity of your symptoms, and the current size of your prostate

All treatment decisions are personal, and should be made with the help and guidance of a trained healthcare professional. For help determining your candidacy for Prostatic Artery Embolization, reach out to our team   of interventional radiologists to request a consultation.

When you're living with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you may be wondering: can a diet for enlarged prostate provide relief? Now, the best way to find relief is to seek medical intervention. But, in the meantime, you can try following these dietary guidelines to help with symptom management.

Diet for Enlarged Prostate

Men with BPH experience disruptive symptoms such as urinary frequency and difficulties starting the flow of urine. Of course, the best way to relieve these and other lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is to shrink your prostate, something you can accomplish (without surgery!) by scheduling a prostatic artery embolization procedure.

However, lifestyle changes can also help you manage BPH. And, according to research, making certain changes to your diet can help relieve discomfort. For maximum benefits, try:

• Following a low-fat-diet
• Incorporating more vegetables into your daily meals
• Enjoying daily servings of fruit, especially citrus fruits such as oranges
• Choosing lean proteins such as fish and poultry

Diet to Slow Prostate Cancer

While diet can help manage symptoms of BPH, a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that what you eat can also help manage prostate cancer. Researchers from the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered that prostate cancer cell growth was reduced significantly when men with early-stage prostate cancer followed a diet low in omega-6 and high in omega-3 fatty acids. The study participants also took fish oil supplements.

Lead study author Dr. William Aronson thus concluded, “Many men are interested in lifestyle changes, including diet, to help manage their cancer and prevent the progression of their disease. Our findings suggest that something as simple as adjusting your diet could potentially slow cancer growth and extend the time before more aggressive interventions are needed." Furthermore, he noted, “This is an important step toward understanding how diet can potentially influence prostate cancer outcomes.”

Other Lifestyle Tips for Managing BPH

Clearly, your diet can help support prostate health in a variety of ways. But there are other lifestyle changes you can make that can help you manage BPH symptoms. In addition to changing up your diet for enlarged prostate relief, other lifestyle changes may provide you with symptom relief. Try to reach and maintain a healthy weight, and engage frequently in moderate to vigorous exercise, as long as you've been cleared for activity by a doctor.

You should also avoid certain beverages, especially ones with caffeine and alcohol, since they can both increase your urge to urinate. And cut off all liquid intake several hours before bed, or if before heading out for an activity. Finally, if you are interested in finding longer lasting BPH relief, click here to request an appointmentat the Texas Prostate Institute to see if you are a candidate for PAE!

You may have heard that most men will develop some form of prostate enlargement in their lifetime. But what’s the average for enlarged prostate problems to begin? Also known as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), the risk for prostate enlargement increases with age, as this gland grows over the years. In this post, we’ll review age-related prostate concerns, and explore treatment options for symptomatic BPH.

Age for Enlarged Prostate: What to Expect in Each Decade

While every man is different, the following guidelines cover average prostate size for men by age range.

• In your 20s: Your prostate gland should be walnut-sized 
• In your 40s: Your prostate may be slightly enlarged, but you are unlikely to experience any resulting symptoms.
• Between ages 51–60: About half of all men will develop BPH during this time span 
• In your 60s: BPH affects about 70% of men in this age group 
• Past age 70: 80% of all men will have BPH 
• 80 and above: Almost all men (more than 90%) have BPH at this stage of life

Now, BPH is not a cancerous condition, and having this form of prostate enlargement does not increase your prostate risk. However, men with BPH experience many symptoms that are similar to those caused by prostate cancer. As such, it’s important to seek timely medical attention if you notice any of the symptoms highlighted below.

Identifying BPH Symptoms

When you reach an age for enlarged prostate concerns, the gland can begin to press against your urethra and bladder. In turn, you may experience difficulties urinating. You may need to urinate frequently; experience sudden, urgent needs to urinate; and you may find it difficult to completely empty your bladder. With BPH, the flow of urine may be weak; it may stop and start in the middle of urination; and you also may find it difficult to begin or stop urinary flow. While disruptive, these symptoms are not typically dangerous. Still, many men wish to pursue BPH treatment in order to preserve or restore their quality of life.

Treatment Options

Your best treatment will be determined by the severity of your symptoms and your current state of health. Some men will simply watch BPH symptoms carefully, taking note of any progression.

Others may make lifestyle changes, including:

• Creating a timed schedule for bathroom visits
• Urinating as soon as you feel the need
• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evenings
• Cutting off fluid intake at least two hours before bedtime
• Avoiding decongestants and antihistamines when possible
• Getting regular exercise
• Following a prostate-friendly diet
• Managing stress levels

When lifestyle modifications don’t provide sufficient relief, medications may help relieve symptoms of prostate enlargement. From there, if symptoms persist, it may be time to explore a medical procedure for BPH relief.

Seeking Treatment When the Age for Enlarged Prostate Problems Arrives

Here at the Texas Prostate Institute, we perform PAE (prostatic artery embolization), a minimally invasive procedure that reduces prostate size to relieve your symptoms while allowing you to avoid surgery. It’s a great option for men who have not experienced relief from lifestyle interventions or medication. So request a consultation today, and start exploring your candidacy for PAE. 

Does prostate massage help relieve symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)? The answer is complex. While a prostate massage may help the enlarged gland release fluid, the relief will likely be temporary. As such, this post explores the risks and benefits of prostate massage for BPH, along with more lasting treatment options.  

BPH Treatment Options

The severity of your BPH symptoms will often determine your best treatment option. Men with mild symptoms can make lifestyle changes to manage BPH: try reducing your intake of caffeine or alcohol; follow a special diet; or even consider prostate massage for BPH symptoms’ temporary relief.

However, if you continue to experience discomfort, further intervention many be necessary. Some men will find relief from medication, while others may explore Prostate Artery Embolization. (Explore what’s involved with the PAE procedure here.) But if you want to get temporary help from prostate massage for BPH, here’s what you should know.  

BPH Massage Benefits

Getting a prostate massage for BPH could temporarily relieve swelling and pressure. In turn, your urinary flow could improve, and stopping and starting urination could be easier as well. But, according to science, does prostate massage help BPH? The results are few, but interesting.

BHP Massage Studies

One 2023 study followed a 55-year old man who received BPH prostate massage to relieve mild symptoms. His prostate volume was reduced by 30%, but due to the limited study size, researchers could not draw larger conclusions about the technique’s benefits.

A 2007, study followed 43 who got therapeutic BPH massages, and each one said his symptoms improved afterward. As such, Cleveland Clinic urologist Dr. Petar Bajic says “There’s no evidence that a prostate massage provides any medical benefit.” Moreover, he cautions men that you could experience pain, worsening hemorrhoids or even a rectal injury if you get a BPH massage.

Do you want safe and effective relief from your enlarged prostate symptoms? PAE treatment research has proved to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) more effectively than medication, and with fewer side effects than many other treatments.  Connect with us to request a consultation and discover whether you’re a candidate for PAE at the Texas Prostate Institute.

If your prostate gland becomes enlarged, it may be the result of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) prostatitis and prostate cancer. And, depending on the cause of enlargement, you may experience symptoms such as difficulty starting or stopping urine flow; an urgent need to urination; or nighttime waking to urinate (also known as nocturia.) Though less common, having an enlarged prostate can cause back pain for some men. So, in this post, we’ll explore causes of back pain from prostate enlargement and options for symptom relief.

Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

An enlarged prostate typically causes lower urinary tract symptoms such as:   

• Difficulty urinating
  
• Urgency or incontinence with urination
  
• Dribbling urinary flow
  
• Interruptions to the flow of urine
  
• Nocturia

These symptoms can develop with any form of prostate enlargement. However, if you have an enlarged prostate due to prostatitis, you may also develop back, abdominal, groin, penis or testicular pain; blood in the urine or in your semen; frequent urinary tract infections; burning with urination; pain after sex or with ejaculation; rectal pressure or pain; and pain when you pass a bowel movement.

If prostate cancer is the reason for gland enlargement, you may experience back pain; leg pain; abdominal pain; and unexplained weight loss. Blood in your urine and erectile dysfunction could also be a concern. When prostate cancer advances, you may also experience numbness, swelling and pain in your legs. Be sure to mention all your enlarged prostate symptoms to a healthcare provider to help you receive an accurate diagnosis and proper medical care.

Back Pain from an Enlarged Prostate: Treatment Options

If you have prostate back pain caused by BPH, lifestyle changes may help manage your symptoms. Engaging in strength exercises for the lower back may improve your comfort, as long as you don’t strain your muscles. You may also benefit from increasing your fiber and water intake, making sure to avoid irritants such as caffeine and alcohol that may worsen BPH symptoms. You should also seek medical care to rule out cancer or prostatitis if you have additional symptoms.

If BPH is determined to be the cause of your back pain, leg pain or other urinary tract symptoms, you can find relief through treatment. And, if lifestyle measures aren’t sufficient, you can pursue prostate artery embolization, PAE treatment in Texas. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that reduces your prostate size by blocking its blood flow. At Texas Endovascular, we perform the procedure without large incisions, so you don’t need general anesthesia and you can avoid overnight hospital stays. Request a consultation with our interventional radiologists and we’ll provide you with more information about PAE, exploring your candidacy for this treatment option for BPH.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause symptoms such as the urgent need to urinate or waking multiple times a night to pee. Treatment can relieve symptoms, and many people turn to Cialis for BPH before exploring procedures to address an enlarged prostate. This post explains how this medication impacts men with symptomatic BPH.  

What is BPH

When you have BPH, the cause of your prostate enlargement is unclear. Depending on the severity of your condition, your BPH symptoms may be mild or extremely disruptive. As such, many men can manage their condition with changes to their diet and lifestyle. But others may turn to medications such as Cialis, or other medical interventions.

Cialis for BPH

Cialis (or tadafil, as it’s known generically) was first developed to address erectile dysfunction. In 2011, however, the FDA approved Cialis for BPH treatment, based on studies such as this that showed its effectiveness at relieving lower urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.  

How does it work? Basically, Cialis increases cGMP levels in the body, increasing blood flow to your penis while relaxing your prostate and bladder muscles.  As a result, when taken once daily, at the same time each day, the medication can make it easier to start urinary flow. It can also reduce night-time wakings to urinate. As an added bonus, the medication can improve male sexual function for 36 hours after taking each Cialis dose.  

Side Effects and Counter Indications

Cialis side effects are typically mild, and include headaches; stomach upset; back or muscle pain; facial flushing; and a stuffy nose. But if you take nitrates or medication to lower your blood pressure, avoid Cialis, as it will increase your risk for a sudden, potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure.  

Cialis for BPH and Other Treatment Options in Texas

While many men with BPH enjoy an improved quality of life when taking Cialis, there are other treatment options for men who cannot tolerate this medication, or those who do not experience sufficient relief from their prescription.  In such cases, our specialists at the Texas Prostate institute encourage you to request a consultation [/tx-appt link] with our team of interventional to learn more about Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE treatment) and to learn whether you’re a candidate for this intervention. As a minimally invasive procedure, PAE treatment benefits include symptom relief and the ability to avoid large surgical incisions, general anesthesia and overnight hospitals.