According to one report, there are more than 14 million men in the US who face prostate enlargement or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In India, studies have shown that almost 50% of men over the age of 60 suffer from this condition. It is one of the most common urological issues ageing male adults face. 

It is essential to have proper prostate care guidelines handy that would help in the long term. So, let’s review the causes of prostate enlargement, the symptoms of this condition, and prostate health tips, including diet plans that can help you lower your risk and manage an enlarged prostate.

What is Prostate Enlargement?

Prostate Enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a medical condition that becomes more prevalent as people age. A small gland called the prostate aids in the production of semen. It's located directly beneath the bladder. As you age, it grows larger in size. Once it grows, you may start facing issues in different forms. 

One possibility is an obstruction to the urine's exit from the bladder, which could result in kidney, bladder, or urinary tract issues. A portion of your urethra—the tube that exits your penis with urine and semen—is encircled by the prostate. The urethra is squeezed when you have BPH because the prostate gland is larger than usual. This leads to the urine flow becoming weak. 

Managing prostate enlargement symptoms is essential at the early stage to mitigate the risk of urological complications later.

What are the Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement?

There are different symptoms people may face. Some of the most common symptoms of prostate enlargement include:

• Frequent urge to pee or uncontrolled bladder
• Trouble starting to pee.
• Weak urine stream
• Dribbling at the end of urination.

BPH symptoms typically worsen gradually. However, occasionally, they don't change over time or even get better. The severity of the symptoms does not necessarily correlate with the prostate's size. Some men with enlarged prostates may experience fewer issues. Furthermore, some individuals with enlarged prostates show no symptoms at all.

What are the Causes of Prostate Enlargement?

Before we get into the enlarged prostate prevention method, let us first check what causes this health issue. It is not clearly understood what exactly causes prostate enlargement. However, it is medically understood that ageing, changes in the testicular cells, and testosterone levels contribute to the gradual increase in the size of a person’s prostate gland. Men who have undergone early testicular excision are not susceptible to developing BPH.

Additionally, the prostate starts to shrink if a person with BPH has had their testicles removed. However, this is not a typical course of treatment for an enlarged prostate. To get the right treatment, it is important to know the risk factors that correlate to prostate enlargement.

Some other Factors Causing Prostate Enlargement

• Age: Before age 40, there are hardly any symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland. Following that, there is an increased risk of developing an enlarged prostate along with the associated symptoms mentioned above.
• Family History: You are more likely to experience prostate issues if you have a close relative like your father or brother who has prostate issues.
• Heart disease and Diabetes: Research indicates that diabetes may increase the chance of BPH. Heart diseases are also considered a risk for prostate enlargement.
• Obesity: BPH risk is increased by obesity. One of the best ways to manage the prostate enlargement risks posed by heart disease and obesity is regular exercise.

Top Natural Remedies for Enlarged Prostate

Although there are medical treatments like surgeries, taking up natural remedies for enlarged prostate is the best way to treat the condition. Following these prostate health tips can help you overcome the issue faster.

Consuming Lycopene-rich Food

Lycopene is an essential pigment found in different fruits and vegetables. As per the study, the prostate functions better when extra virgin oil enhanced with lycopene is taken daily. Red cabbage, papaya, watermelon, guava, and pink grapefruit are natural foods that act as Prostate health supplements and are high in lycopene. These are prostate-friendly diet options you can consider to improve your condition and even prevent prostate enlargement.

Consuming Green Tea

Of all the teas, green tea contains the highest concentration of antioxidants. Compounds known as antioxidants can both prevent and delay tissue and cell damage. Many studies have found that green tea can help grow benign prostate cells. But keep in mind that green tea also contains caffeine, which exacerbates the symptoms of BPH due to its nature as a diuretic.

Nettles

Nettles have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help lessen the symptoms of BPH. Furthermore, nettle root extracts can help BPH sufferers live better and experience fewer symptoms.

Zinc

Studies have shown that a persistent zinc deficiency may raise the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Consequently, consuming more zinc through food or supplementation may reduce the likelihood of developing a zinc deficiency, which could result in a reduction in the symptoms of BPH.

Change in Lifestyle

Enforcing lifestyle changes for a healthy prostate can help in many ways. Perform daily workouts, especially exercises for prostate health like pelvic floor muscle exercises, drinking less alcohol and caffeine, and eating healthy foods. Following strict lifestyle changes along with consuming the best foods for prostate health can help in the long term.

Surgical Methods to Overcome Enlarged Prostate

If these enlarged prostate prevention tips don't give you the result, there are various surgical methods available to help treat an enlarged prostate. Some of the surgical options are:

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): It is one of the best surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In this procedure, a small device is inserted into the prostate by your doctor via your urethra. After that, the enlarged prostate is removed piece by piece. As a non-invasive procedure this surgery has minimal risks and quick recovery for patients.
   
• Simple Prostatectomy: A simple prostatectomy involves an incision in the region behind your scrotum, in your abdomen, called the perineum. Once done, the enlarged prostate is removed. The recovery period for this surgery can vary based on if you are getting an open surgery or minimally invasive surgery.
   
• UroLift System: In this surgical process, the enlarged prostate tissue is lifted and held out of the way by the permanent UroLift device, which prevents the blockage of the urethra. The operation does not impact sexual function. It is usually done in an operating room, ambulatory surgical centre, or doctor's office under local or general anaesthesia. Most patients go home the same day.
   
• Transurethral Incision of Prostate: In this surgery, the surgeon won't remove the prostate tissue. To make urinating simpler, a few tiny incisions are made in the prostate to lessen the pressure of the gland on the urethra. Men with small prostates are best for this surgery. Retrograde ejaculation is far less likely to occur with TUIP than with TURP. Physicians make this decision mainly depending on the size of the prostate.
   
• Laser Surgery: Laser surgery is one of the most modern and high-tech BPH treatment options. A surgeon uses laser energy to destroy prostate tissue and reduce the size of the gland. Like TURP, laser operations typically result in greater urine flow and symptom reduction. However, specific laser treatments also lessen the chance of bleeding and have fewer adverse effects than others. Laser surgeries are relatively safe, although their long-term health effects are yet to be studied medically.

Conclusion

Having proper knowledge about the symptoms and causes of prostate enlargement will help you get the appropriate treatment. Considering these prostate health tips and having knowledge of surgeries is essential to maintain your prostate health. So, if you are suffering from the symptoms discussed in this article, check out MASSH today. We specialise in BPH treatment options, from lifestyle management to modern, non-invasive surgical treatments. Check out our website to learn more about enlarged prostate treatment at MASSH, or visit us today to consult with our specialists.