Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed and Treated by Urology Doctors in Baltimore

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 clinical conditions like 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. 

The prostate gland is wrapped around the tube (urethra) that carries urine from the bladder and 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.  Our doctor may also request urine and 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.

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

• Urinating twice, relaxing between them
• 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, like the inability to urinate, frequent urinary tract infections or frequent bladder stones, our doctors may recommend surgery to treat an enlarged prostate. Types of surgery for an enlarged prostate include the following:

• Prostatectomy - The surgical removal of an enlarged prostate
• Transurethral Vaporization - The use of a roller electrode or laser to heat and vaporize obstructing tissue to relieve symptoms