Understanding the Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

Understanding the Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

If you’re experiencing discomfort when urinating or noticing changes in your urinary habits, you may be dealing with an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). At 1Prostate Center, located in both Manhattan and Queens, Dr. David Shusterman specializes in diagnosing and treating this condition with advanced, minimally invasive techniques.

An enlarged prostate affects a significant portion of men as they age, but it’s not just an inevitable part of aging—it’s a condition that requires attention, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms that interfere with your daily life. Below, we’ll discuss the common symptoms, how they relate to your overall health, and the treatment options available at our clinic.

What is an Enlarged Prostate?

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder. As men age, this gland can grow larger, squeezing the urethra and causing urinary issues. While an enlarged prostate is not the same as prostate cancer, the symptoms can overlap, making early diagnosis essential. Dr. David Shusterman at 1Prostate Center is a leading urologist in NYC, particularly in Midtown Manhattan, who specializes in comprehensive treatments for prostate conditions, including both benign and malignant conditions.

Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

  1. Frequent Urination
    One of the hallmark signs of BPH is an increased need to urinate, especially at night. If you find yourself waking up multiple times to use the bathroom, it could be a sign that your prostate is pressing against your bladder, causing irritation.
  2. Difficulty Starting Urination
    Many men with BPH experience difficulty initiating urination. You may feel the urge to go but find it hard to start, or the stream might be weaker than usual. This happens because the enlarged prostate narrows the urethra, obstructing urine flow.
  3. Weak Urinary Stream
    A weak or interrupted urine stream is another common symptom. You might feel like you’re not able to fully empty your bladder. Dr. Shusterman has extensive experience in treating this particular symptom with customized approaches for each patient at our Midtown Manhattan clinic.
  4. Urgency to Urinate
    If you frequently experience a sudden and intense urge to urinate, this can be another sign of an enlarged prostate. BPH irritates the bladder, leading to a sense of urgency even when the bladder isn’t full.
  5. Incomplete Bladder Emptying
    Some men with BPH feel like they can’t completely empty their bladder, which can lead to repeated trips to the bathroom in a short period. This can be frustrating and disrupt your daily activities, including your work, sleep, and social life.
  6. Dribbling After Urination
    Post-urination dribbling can be both embarrassing and inconvenient. This occurs when urine remains trapped in the bladder due to the obstruction caused by the enlarged prostate. Many patients have found relief from this symptom at our urology clinic in NYC, where we specialize in both conservative and surgical treatments.
  7. Urinary Incontinence
    In more severe cases, BPH can lead to urinary incontinence, where you lose control over your bladder. Dr. Shusterman offers advanced urinary incontinence treatments at 1Prostate Center, including non-invasive procedures that help restore bladder control.

When to See a Urologist?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to seek medical attention. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious issues like urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and even kidney damage. At 1Prostate Center, Dr. David Shusterman is one of the best urologists for prostate cancer and BPH treatment in Midtown Manhattan. Our clinic is equipped with cutting-edge technology for diagnosing and treating urological conditions, ensuring that you receive the highest level of care.

Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate

At 1Prostate Center, we offer several effective treatments for BPH, ranging from conservative approaches to advanced surgical techniques.

  • Medication
    Commonly prescribed medications include alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which help relax the muscles around the prostate and reduce its size, respectively. These treatments are often the first line of defense against BPH and are highly effective in managing symptoms.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedures
    For patients who don’t respond to medications or have more severe symptoms, minimally invasive procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser therapy are available. These procedures remove or shrink part of the prostate, alleviating the pressure on the urethra and restoring normal urinary function.
  • Prostate Surgery
    In extreme cases, where the prostate is significantly enlarged, more invasive surgical options might be necessary. Dr. Shusterman has extensive experience in performing prostate surgeries and can provide a customized plan based on the severity of your condition.

The Importance of Prostate Health

Ignoring prostate symptoms can lead to severe complications. For example, untreated BPH can cause kidney damage due to the increased pressure on the bladder and kidneys. Additionally, some of the symptoms of BPH overlap with those of prostate cancer, such as difficulty urinating and frequent urination at night. While BPH itself is not cancerous, it is crucial to rule out prostate cancer early. At our Midtown Manhattan location, we provide comprehensive screenings for both conditions.

In addition to BPH treatment, 1Prostate Center also specializes in prostate cancer treatment, kidney stones treatment, urinary incontinence treatment, and erectile dysfunction treatment. As the best urology clinic in NYC, we are dedicated to offering top-tier care for a wide range of urological issues.

A Comprehensive Approach to Urological Care

At 1Prostate Center, we go beyond treating just the symptoms. Dr. Shusterman and his team take a holistic approach, focusing on long-term solutions that improve quality of life. Whether you need kidney stones treatment, erectile dysfunction treatment, or prostate cancer treatment, we are committed to helping you regain control of your health.

With locations in Manhattan and Queens, our clinics offer convenient access to the best urologist in NYC. If you’re searching for a “urologist near me” or the “best urologist for prostate cancer in Midtown Manhattan,” look no further than 1Prostate Center.

Proactive Care for a Better Tomorrow

Taking a proactive approach to prostate health can prevent many complications down the road. Whether you’re dealing with mild symptoms or more severe discomfort, early diagnosis and treatment are key to maintaining your health. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above, schedule an appointment with Dr. David Shusterman today. As the best urology clinic in NYC, 1Prostate Center is here to provide you with comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

Sources:

  1. Roehrborn, C. G. (2008). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Overview. Reviews in Urology.
  2. McVary, K. T. (2011). BPH: Epidemiology and Comorbidities. American Journal of Men’s Health.
  3. Barry, M. J. (2001). Evaluation and Management of BPH. Journal of the American Medical Association.

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