Enlarged Prostate / Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treated by Urology Doctors in Baltimore

This animation shows the anatomy of the prostate gland, and its enlargement in a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia. Common treatment options are also shown.

At The Urology Specialists of Maryland at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, our doctors treat a broad spectrum of urologic disorders including enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition that is common in older men.

About the Condition

The prostate is a gland that is part of the reproductive function in men. It is usually fully developed around age 25, but as men age, it grows and can lead to conditions such as urinary incontinence and prostate inflammation (prostatitis). Or, it could be a symptom of prostate cancer, the most common form of cancer for older men. In many cases, it is merely an annoyance but not a serious problem.

NEXT: Symptoms & Diagnostic Process ›

Symptoms & Diagnostic Process

The prostate gland is wrapped around the tube (urethra) that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. If the prostate becomes enlarged (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH), it can block the urethra and cause:

Difficulty starting or stopping a urine stream
A weak urine stream
The urge to urinate or the feeling that your bladder is not completely empty after you urinate

A physical exam that includes a full medical history is the first step in diagnosing the cause of an enlarged prostate. Your doctor may also request urine test, blood tests and conduct a digital rectal exam, allowing the doctor to feel the size of the prostate. A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test may also be ordered to evaluate the possibility of prostate cancer.

NEXT: Treatment Options ›

Treatment Options

An enlarged prostate is a naturally-occurring condition in aging men. There are some simple practices that can help reduce or control symptoms:

Urinating twice, relaxing inbetween
Avoiding liquids like caffeine and alcohol
Avoiding medicines that affect urination or make it difficult

An enlarged prostate can also be treated with prescriptions. If symptoms are severe, including the inability to urinate, frequent urinary tract infections or frequent bladder stones, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat the enlarged prostate. Types of surgery for an enlarged prostate include the following:

UroLift - A minimally invasive solution that reduces the obstruction without removing any prostate tissue
Transurethral Vaporization - The use of a roller electrode or laser to heat and vaporize obstructing tissue to relieve symptoms
Prostatectomy - The surgical removal of an enlarged prostate