Most men experience prostate enlargement, or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) as they age. To date, we have still not uncovered the exact reason why this occurs. However, thanks to new evidence published in the journal Aging, we are starting to get a clearer picture of the causes of prostate enlargement.

Searching for Causes of Prostate Enlargement

About half of men aged 50 to 60 develop BPH symptoms, while, by the age of 80, almost 90% of men experience prostate enlargement. Given these statistics, we can tell that there's a link between aging and your risk for an enlarged prostate. And now, with this study, we can more narrowly identify key causes of prostate enlargement: inflammation, high blood pressure or cholesterol and/or obesity.

To reach these conclusions, the study followed 218 men, analyzing blood samples from 75 men without BPH and 144 men experiencing prostate enlargement. Here's what they found: the men with BPH showed more signs of oxidative stress, indicating chronic inflammation. They were also more likely to display signs of a metabolic disorder, defined as having obesity and/or high blood pressure or cholesterol. After making these findings, the authors stated, “There is mounting evidence that links the onset of inflammation with the development of prostate diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer."

Prevention and Treatment

Given these findings, there is new hope that you can prevent or delay prostate enlargement through lifestyle measures. Specifically, managing your stress and weight; following a healthy diet; and getting regular exercise could help you reduce some of the causes of prostate enlargement.

Not sure where to start? First, you can check out this diet for enlarged prostate relief. Next, you can focus on relieving Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) such as nocturia and urgency by reducing the intake of irritants such as alcohol and caffeine and by eliminating your fluid intake at least two hours before going to bed.

Finally, if you want to find relief by shrinking your prostate gland, we encourage you to learn more about PAE treatment at the Georgia Prostate Institute. This minimally invasive procedure can offer lasting BPH symptom relief. And you can start to explore your candidacy for this treatment by [ga-apt-link] requesting a consultation [/ga-apt-link].

Having an enlarged prostate can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) because the expanded gland puts pressure on the bladder and urethra. One common symptom is nocturia, or the need to wake up to urinate several times in the night. But just how common is this issue? According to recent surveys, more than 80% of men 50 and older wake up to pee at night once a month or more. It's likely that these wakings are related to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), since that is the age at which many men experience non-cancerous gland enlargement. So, how can you address these enlarged prostate sleep problems, and stop BPH from keeping you up all night? Keep reading to find out.

Understanding Enlarged Prostate Sleep Problems

BPH can lead to poor sleep quality, this study reveals. And that's because several BPH symptoms directly impact your ability to stay in bed, especially:

• Nocturia, the need to urinate several times during the night
• Urgency, or having to urinate suddenly, without warning

Of course, it's disruptive to your sleep when you're waking up all night to pee. But even when you are asleep, those interruptions can reduce the quality of the rest you are able to get. Plus, the impact of your enlarged prostate sleep problems can spread, as 64% of individuals who have a partner with BPH report their own sleep disruptions.

Aside from leaving you tired, sleep loss can have additional negative impacts. It's been linked to reduced function; memory loss; stress; depression; and diabetes. But you don't have to live with sleep disruptions forever. Instead, you can treat BPH to reduce your symptom burden and finally get the rest you've been missing.

Treating BPH

In order to address enlarged prostate sleep problems, you can start making lifestyle adjustments. Stop drinking completely at least two hours before going to bed. And limit your intake or alcohol and caffiebe all day, since these substances increase your need to urinate.

Medications including Cialis for BPH can relieve some of your symptoms. However, if you want to shrink your prostate while avoiding surgery, PAE treatment (or prostatic artery embolization) could be your best option. Unlike prostate surgery, this minimally invasive procedure can relieve prostate enlargement without the risk of sexual side effects. You can learn more about this treatment option by requesting a consultation at the Georgia Prostate Institute.

Your prostate is a small gland in the body, charged with producing semen. As you grow older, it tends to get larger. And, due to its location below your bladder, that enlargement can cause lower urinary tract symptoms and other signs of prostate problems. But how can you tell when to seek medical attention? Here’s what you need to know.

Common signs of prostate problems

Any of the following symptoms could indicate developing prostate problems:

• Frequent urge to urinate (called urgency)
• Nocturia, or the need to get up and urinate multiple times during the night
• Noticing blood in urine (hematuria)
• Pain or burning with urination
• Pain when ejaculating
• Experiencing pain or stiffness in your lower back, hips, pelvis, rectum or even the upper thighs
• Urinary flow that dribbles, is hard to initiate or hard to stop

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to speak with your healthcare provider. They could be a sign that you’re experiencing one or more of the prostate problems highlighted below.

Prostate conditions: seeking diagnosis

Many of the symptoms listed above could be associated with more than one condition affecting the prostate. Potential concerns include: 

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, a condition in which the gland becomes enlarged for reasons that aren’t cancer. Multiple, non-surgical treatments are available, including lifestyle changes, medications and PAE treatment in Georgia.
• Prostatitis, either acute or chronic, describing a bacterial infection that will usually require antibiotics to be resolved.  
• Prostate cancer

Because these prostate problems all have some overlapping symptoms, its important to see your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. With timely medical attention, you can receive a diagnosis of infection, or differentiate between BPH vs prostate cancer. Then, if BPH is the cause of your prostate problems, you can request a consultation with the Georgia Prostate Institute. When you come into our offices, we can review your candidacy for minimally invasive Prostate Artery Embolization, relieving your symptoms without the risks of surgery.

Symptoms such as urgent or frequent urination; waking in the night to urinate; or struggling to start or stop urinary flow could indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). But how are doctors diagnosing BPH? Here's what you need to know.

Causes of an Enlarged Prostate

What is BPH? This is a condition in which prostate cells experience accelerated growth, leading to gland enlargement. Affecting approximately 50% of men over the age of 50, prostate enlargement can create on the urethra, triggering BPH symptoms that mostly affect the lower urinary tract. Now, this condition can develop in any individual with a prostate. But a new study just uncovered a a genetic link that increases BPH risk, helping clarify some of the underlying causes for this condition.

Diagnosing BPH

If you visit your doctor complaining of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) such as the ones highlighted above, the healthcare provider should begin the process of diagnosing BPH or ruling out other conditions such as infections or prostate cancer.

The first step will likely be a digital rectal exam. Your doctor with insert a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for prostate enlargement or other abnormalities. Blood tests can check your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, with results indicating the presence or lack of prostate enlargement.  Additional diagnostics, including urine tests; ultrasounds; or a biopsy may be necessary to finalize a diagnosis, whether that means diagnosing BPH or determining a different cause of prostate enlargement.

Choosing Treatments for BPH

After diagnosing BPH, you can begin exploring treatment options. Some men may find symptom relief by improving their diets, managing their fluid intake, and removing triggers such as alcohol or caffeine. Medications may offer BPH relief, along with the added benefit of protection from Lewy body dementia , according to this study. However, for men who don't find sufficient symptom relief by choosing these treatment options, Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE), may be a better way forward. This is a minimally-invasive interventional radiology procedure; it shrinks the prostate with fewer side effects than surgery. To learn more about PAE and see if you're a candidate for this procedure, simply request a consultation at the Georgia Prostate Institute.

Are you exploring Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) treatment options, and researching prostatic artery embolization (PAE) and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)? Each procedure can provide effective BPH relief, but also comes with unique considerations. Here's the critical information to consider when comparing PAE vs TURP.

What's the Difference Between PAE vs TURP?

When you're suffering from BPH symptoms, you may be able to find relief with PAE and/or TURP, but different patients will be better suited for one medical procedure over the other. PAE treatment, available at the Georgia Prostate Institute, is a minimally invasive medical procedure that blocks blood supply to the prostate gland, causing it to shrink. It is an outpatient procedure performed without general anesthesia. TURP, however, is a surgical procedure that removes enlarged prostate tissue. It's performed using general anesthesia, typically neccessitating an overnight hospital stay.

Risks and Benefits

Since PAE a minimally invasive procedure, any associated side effects, including pelvic pain or pain with urination, are minimal and tempory. The recovery period is also shorter than after a surgical procedure, and, according to currently available data, PAE effectively relieves symptoms of BPH for at least six years.

In contrast, patients recovering from TURP will need to spend between one and three days in the hospital after surgery. Catheterization for at least 24 hours will also be necessary. TURP also comes with a greater risk for serious and longer-lasting side effects, including bleeding and retrograde ejaculation (in which semen flows back into the bladder instead of out through the urethra.)

Cost of PAE vs TURP

Both PAE and TURP should be covered by insurance, but some out of pocket expenses will still be likely. Typically, PAE is less expensive than TURP as it doesn't require overnight hospital stays or the cost of general anesthesia.

Choosing The Right Treatment for BPH

Before deciding between PAE vs TURP, consider:

• Your current age and health
• The severity of your BPH symptoms, along with the degree to which your prostate is enlarged
• Any existing or prior medical conditions that could impact your ability to withstand surgery

Do you need help choosing your best treatment option for an enlarged Prostate? To explore your Prostatic Artery Embolization candidacy, reach out to our interventional radiology team  and request a consultation.

If you have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) following a diet for enlarged prostate can help with symptom management. Of course, the only way to find lasting relief is to seek treatment that shrinks your prostate. But, if you're still researching treatment options, try making the following changes to your diet in order to improve your quality of life.

What's the Best Diet for Enlarged Prostate?

If you're experiencing BPH symptoms such as urinary frequency and difficulty with urinary flow, one of the best ways to relieve these lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is with a medical procedure such as prostatic artery embolization procedure.

Including certain foods, while removing others, may help improve symptoms, especially those of urgency and night-time waking to urinate. Be sure to:

• Avoid high fat foods
• Eat more and many different vegetables
• Add lots of citrus and other fruits to your daily routine
• Incorporate more lean proteins like fish and poultry

Slowing Prostate Cancer Through Diet

In addition to playing a role in BPH management, new data published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows how diet can help after a prostate cancer diagnosis. UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers learned that a low omega-6, high omega-3 fatty acid diet, combined with fish oil supplements, could slow the growth of cancer cells in men with early-stage prostate cancer.

Dr. William Aronson, the lead study author, said, “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." He concluded, “This is an important step toward understanding how diet can potentially influence prostate cancer outcomes.”

Manage BPH with Other Lifestyle Measures

Now we've seen how diet can impact prostate health, lets look at other lifestyle measures to support prostate health. Aside from following a diet for enlarged prostate, there are other little changes you can make to relieve some of your BPH symptoms. Make sure to lose weight if you're above a healthy number, and, regardless of your weight, try exercising at a moderate to vigorous level, most days of the week.

Next, cut back on caffeine and alcohol, since both increase the need to urinate. And avoid drinking anything within a few hours of bedtime to reduce middle of the night wakings. Finally, if you're looking for more lasting relief from BPH, Click here to request an appointment at the Georgia Prostate Institute. Together, we'll discover if you are a candidate for PAE!

If you’re experiencing back and leg pain and suspect it might be linked to an enlarged prostate, you’re not alone. An enlarged prostate can lead to discomfort in these areas, often due to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis (prostate inflammation), or even prostate cancer.

Keep reading to discover how an enlarged prostate can contribute to back and leg pain and learn about effective treatment options to help relieve your discomfort and improve your quality of life.

Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

The most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate are described as LUTS, or lower urinary tract symptoms. These include:  

• Difficulty urinating.
• The urgent, sometimes uncontrollable, need to urinate, even leading to incontinence.
• Urine that leaks or dribbles.

• Frequent need to urinate.
• Slow starting or weak urinary flow.
• Urine flow that stops and starts.
• Nocturia.

If you have an enlarged prostate along with symptoms like hip, lower back, or abdomen pain,  unexplained weight loss, swelling or numbness in the legs, new erectile dysfunction, or blood in the urine, talk your doctor immediately. These signs could indicate a more serious condition, like prostate cancer.

Dealing with Back Pain From an Enlarged Prostate

When managing prostate back pain, a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments can help.

Strengthening exercises for the lower back may provide relief, but it’s important to avoid activities like cycling that could put extra strain on the area.

You may also find relief from back pain and other mild BPH symptoms by adjusting your diet and hydration, such as increasing fiber intake and drinking more water during the day, while limiting fluids before bed time.

However, if your symptoms become moderate to severe, a medical procedure may be needed to relieve the effects of BPH. Since conditions like prostatitis (prostate inflammation) and prostate cancer can also cause prostate enlargement and similar symptoms, further evaluation may be necessary to determine the right treatment approach.

Treatment for an Enlarged Prostate

If you’re struggling with painful leg and back symptoms due to an enlarged prostate, treatment options are available that can provide much-needed relief.

Identifying the cause of prostate enlargement is crucial for guiding your next steps. But if BPH is the issues, you may be able to avoid surgery and enhance your quality of life by considering Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) treatment. This minimally invasive procedure reduces the size of the prostate by blocking blood flow to the gland, all without major incisions or general anesthesia. Available at the Georgia Prostate Institute, you can request a consultation  to learn more about PAE and assess your candidacy for this effective BPH treatment option.

Most men will develop an enlarged prostate in their lifetime. But what’s the average onset age for enlarged prostate concerns? Well, the risk for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) increases as you age, since your prostate gland continues growing with you. This post highlights age-related prostate risks, while also highlighting BPH treatment options.

By the Decade Guide to Age for Enlarged Prostate

In each decade, your prostate health will differ. Here is a general guideline of what to expect.  

• 20-40: The prostate gland hasn’t grown enlarged, and should be about the size of a walnut 
• 40-50: Mild prostate enlargement may have occurred, but most men won’t experience BPH symptoms at this age
• 51–60: BPH is a problem for about 50% of men in this age group
• 60 - 70: Around 70% of men this age have developed BPH 
• 70-80: This is the age for enlarged prostate for 80% of all men  
• Older than 80: More than 90% of men in this age group have BPH 

Now, BPH is not prostate cancer, but the two conditions share some common symptoms. For that reason, you should seek medical attention As such, it’s important to seek timely medical attention if you notice any of the symptoms highlighted below.

BPH Symptoms to Watch For

When your prostate becomes enlarged, it presses against the bladder and urethra, leading to difficulties urinating. Some men need to urinate frequently; experience urgency; or find it hard to empty the bladder completely. Your urinary flow may be weak; interrupted; or it may be difficult to stop or start the flow. However, with BPH treatment, you can resolve many of these concerns.

Addressing an Enlarged Prostate

Once you reach the age for enlarged prostate, you may make lifestyle modifications such as:  

• Scheduling regular bathroom visits
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, particularly at night
• Stopping all fluid intake two hours prior to bedtime
• Exercising regularly
• Trying a diet for enlarged prostate
• Reducing or managing stress

Medications could also help with symptom relief, but for more persistent concerns, a medical procedure may be the best treatment option.

PAE in Georgia: Relief for BPH

Here at the Georgia Prostate Institute, we relieve BPH with prostatic artery embolization (PAE.) This minimally invasive procedure allows you to shrink your prostate without surgery. request a consultation today to see if you’re a candidate for PAE. 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer are two of the most common conditions that affect the prostate.

The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped organ located below the bladder, between the base of the penis and the rectum. It is responsible for supplying part of your seminal fluid and plays a role in ejaculation.

In both BPH and prostate cancer, the prostate gland becomes enlarged. However, BPH is a benign, non-cancerous condition that cannot spread. Prostate cancer, on the other hand, can spread to different parts of the body and organs if left untreated.

So, how can you tell the difference between BPH vs prostate cancer? Keep reading to understand BPH and prostate cancer basics, learn their key differences, how to tell their symptoms apart, and when to seek medical treatment.

The Basics of BPH

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland caused by abnormal cell growth that causes enlargement and pressure on the urethra. While we don’t know why some men develop BPH, the following factors may increase your risk:

• Being age 50 or older.
• Living a sedentary lifestyle.
• Living with obesity.
• Experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED).
• Having a family history of BPH.

The Basics of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that forms within the prostate gland. When cancerous cells grow abnormally, they require medical intervention to avoid metastasis (spreading).

Unlike some cancers, prostate cancer is often slow-growing. This means it can be asymptomatic in the early stages of development, making it difficult to diagnose without regular diagnostic and preventive screening tests.

While there is some overlap between BPH and prostate cancer risk factors, like being over age 50 and having a family history, risk factors for prostate cancer vary slightly. Additional risk factors include:

• Following a diet high in fat
• Being of African American or Caribbean descent.

Comparison Between Prostate Cancer and BPH Symptoms

When it comes to diagnosing BPH and prostate cancer, there are similarities and differences. But how can you tell the difference?

Symptoms common to both BPH and prostate cancer include:

• An urgent and frequent need to urinate, especially in the night.
• A weak, slow, or interrupted urine flow.
• Difficulty urinating.

Men experiencing BPH symptoms may feel like their bladder hasn’t emptied, even after they’ve just urinated. They may also need to strain or push to start the flow of urine, and—even when urine starts flowing—it may be difficult to produce more than a dribble.

However, as prostate cancer progresses, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Burning sensation during urination.
• Blood in your urine or semen.
• Persistent pain in the pelvis, hips, backs, or bones.
• Pain while urinating or ejaculating.

If you are having difficulty discerning symptoms of BPH vs prostate cancer, seeking medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial to avoid complications.

When To See a Doctor for BPH (or Prostate Cancer)

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of BPH or prostate cancer, visit your doctor right away.

They can assess your symptoms and help determine the root cause of your pain and discomfort.

What to Expect During a BPH/Prostate Cancer Screening Appointment

During your visit, your healthcare provider may conduct the following:

• A digital rectal exam to detect any changes in your prostate’s size, texture, or firmness. The exam can also identify areas that are tender or painful and identify unusual growths or lumps in the prostate.
• A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to measure the amount of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland that plays a role in fertility. Normal PSA levels range between one and four.

BPH vs prostate cancer PSA levels can be four or higher and indicate prostate enlargement.

However, heightened PSA levels alone cannot differentiate prostate cancer vs BPH because it is common for both conditions to have it.

For this reason, your doctor may also need to take a small tissue sample from your prostate (known as a biopsy) to examine it for cancerous cells.

BPH vs Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Once the cause of your urinary tract symptoms and prostate enlargement is accurately diagnosed, you can begin exploring treatment options.

As most cases of prostate cancer are typically slow-growing, your doctor may advise watching your condition before beginning any medical interventions. However, you may need a more aggressive treatment approach, such as:

• Hormone therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Focal therapy
• Surgery

If you are diagnosed with BPH, you can often manage symptoms with lifestyle changes and medications. If these treatment options do not provide relief, the skilled specialists at Georgia Prostate Institute invite you to explore our prostatic artery embolization treatment. PAE treatment for BPH is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that helps alleviate urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

Request a consultation today to begin your journey toward long-term relief and improved quality of life.

Are you interested in exploring prostate massage to relieve uncomfortable urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

While there is some evidence to suggest massaging the prostate may help release excess seminal fluid from the prostate gland ducts and temporarily alleviate urinary symptoms, BPH massage is not considered a lasting treatment for medical conditions.

Keep reading to learn what BPH is, available treatment options, and the benefits of prostate massage for temporary relief.

Understanding BPH

BPH, also known as an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous condition that affects the prostate gland in men as they age.

An enlarged prostate gland can press your bladder and urethra, causing BPH symptoms like

• Difficulty emptying your bladder.
• Reduced or weakened urine flow.
• Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine.
• Urinary urgency or a sudden need to urinate, with little to no warning.

BPH symptoms are not life-threatening, but the symptoms can be very unpleasant and make it difficult to get through your daily activities. As a result, many men struggling with symptoms of an enlarged prostate seek out effective treatment options.

Treatment Options for BPH

Georgia Prostate Institute offers several BPH treatment options, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Some men with mild symptoms can successfully manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes, such as:

• Limiting or avoiding caffeine or alcohol.
• Limiting or avoiding spicy foods.
• Following a healthy diet.
• Staying hydrated and physically active.

Unfortunately, lifestyle modifications are not enough for everyone. Some men may need further interventions, including medications, BPH massage, or prostate artery embolization (PAE) treatment.

Does Prostate Massage Help BPH?

Benefits of BPH Massage

While studies on prostate massage for BPH symptoms are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests the following potential benefits:

• Temporary relief of pressure and swelling in the prostate gland and urethra.
• Temporary improvement in urine flow strength.
• Temporary improvement in the ability to stop and start urinating.

Next, we share scientific studies and findings regarding the benefits of prostate massage for BPH.

Studies and Findings on BHP Massage

The data on BPH prostate massage therapy is still emerging. However,  there are a few promising case and research studies.

• The Use of Therapeutic Massage in Benign Hyperplasia: A Case Study
  This 2023 case study followed a 55-year old man who received a 20-minute prostate massage two times a week for three weeks in a clinical setting for mild BPH symptoms. After the treatment, researchers noted the gland was reduced in volume by 30%, also resulting in a reduced symptom burden. However, since the study only looked at one patient’s experience with BPH massage, researchers were hesitant to generalize how other men might benefit from the same approach.
• Medical Massage as a Physiotherapeutic Method in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Men
  This 2007 clinical study included 43 men receiving a therapeutic BPH massage. Again, after the study, each participant reported an improvement in their symptom burdens and overall quality of life. However, researchers were careful to note these reported benefits of prostate massage for BPH were subjective and could not be supported with measurable evidence.

These small studies suggest BPH massage may be beneficial. However, it is important to note that experts like Cleveland Clinic urologist Dr. Petar Bajic say, “There’s no evidence that a prostate massage provides any medical benefit.”He warns that this type of massage could cause pain, worsen hemorrhoids, or even leave you with a rectal injury.

If you’re looking for a safer, more effective, evidence-based, non-surgical, and long-term treatment for an enlarged prostate, we encourage you to consider PAE treatment at Georgia Prostate Institute. 

Safe, Effective PAE Treatment for BPH at Georgia Prostate Institute

PAE is a game-changing intervention for those seeking relief from the disruptive symptoms of BPH.

There is a large body of evidence detailing the efficacy of the procedure. Review these studies and PAE research to learn how it causes fewer adverse effects than other treatment options.

PAE can help relieve your uncomfortable urinary symptoms and help you get back to doing what you love—uninterrupted.

Request a consultation with the experts at Georgia Prostate Institute today.