Prostate Restored
Photo by Ylanite Koppens Pexels Logo Photo: Ylanite Koppens

Can an enlarged prostate shrink back to normal size?

While it's difficult to completely reverse an enlarged prostate, there are several treatments that can relieve symptoms, reduce the size of the prostate and help restore normal urine flow. In fact, many men with prostate enlargement are able to achieve a positive quality of life with non-surgical treatments.

When do you know a marriage is over?
When do you know a marriage is over?

"If you're no longer spending any time together, if one or both partners is spending all their time at work, with friends, online — and if feels...

Read More »
What are 2 warning signs of stress?
What are 2 warning signs of stress?

Warnings signs of stress in adults may include: Crying spells or bursts of anger. Difficulty eating. Losing interest in daily activities....

Read More »

Can an Enlarged Prostate Be Cured?

An enlarged prostate—also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—is a common condition among men as they grow older. It is characterized by the natural enlargement of the prostate, a small gland situated between the bladder and penis. The urethra, or the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis, is surrounded by the prostate, and often becomes squeezed and compressed as a result of prostate enlargement. This can cause a weakened urine stream and related issues like a frequent urge to urinate and difficulty sleeping through the night. Prostate enlargement tends to come with age. While it’s difficult to completely reverse an enlarged prostate, there are several treatments that can relieve symptoms, reduce the size of the prostate and help restore normal urine flow. In fact, many men with prostate enlargement are able to achieve a positive quality of life with non-surgical treatments.

Enlarged Prostate Treatment Options

A “watchful waiting” approach is taken in many BPH cases. Some men find that their symptoms are mild and resolve without treatment. However, when symptoms are disruptive or don’t improve over time, one or more of the following treatment options may be recommended.

Medication

Medication is often the first step of enlarged prostate treatment. There are multiple drugs that can help reduce BPH symptoms, including:

5-alpha reductase inhibitors that help shrink the prostate

Alpha blockers that relax prostate muscle fibers and bladder neck muscles

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, which are primarily prescribed to address erectile dysfunction, may help increase urine flow

Lifestyle Changes

There are several lifestyle factors that can contribute to or worsen prostate enlargement. For example, living a sedentary lifestyle can increase urinary retention, so many physicians recommend for patients to engage in routine exercise. Other common recommendations include:

Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption

Reducing liquid consumption before bedtime

Using the bathroom at scheduled times, even when the bladder is empty

Losing excess weight

Avoiding the use of decongestants and antihistamines, if possible

Surgery

If prostate enlargement symptoms are disruptive or don’t respond to conservative approaches, surgery may be recommended. There are many minimally invasive procedures and surgical therapies available that can provide significant relief to men with prostate enlargement.

Our Approach to Urology & Enlarged Prostate Treatment

At Tufts Medical Center Community Care, our patients benefit from the world-class expertise of seasoned urologists, internal medicine physicians and other experts who frequently treat prostate conditions. If you would like to speak with a specialist regarding your symptoms or prostate enlargement treatment options, contact our friendly staff today. We will be happy to schedule you an in-person appointment at one of our easily accessible locations throughout north suburban Boston, or you can consult with our professionals virtually through our convenient telemedicine services.

What should you avoid eating in the morning?
What should you avoid eating in the morning?

6 Foods You Should Never Eat for Breakfast Skipping breakfast isn't the worst way to start your day. ... Skip This: Low-Fat Muffins and Scones. ......

Read More »
At what age do you stop seeing a GYN?
At what age do you stop seeing a GYN?

age 65 Screenings should begin at age 21 and be repeated every three to five years until age 65, based on previous results. Apr 6, 2021

Read More »

Why is my pee coming out in two streams?

A split stream of urine is usually a sign of an issue with the bladder or the urethra. A split urine stream can also result from a condition called prostatitis. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in males. A split urinary stream can occur in both men and women but most commonly occurs among men.

A split urinary stream is when the urine flow splits and goes in two directions. A split stream of urine is usually a sign of an issue with the bladder or the urethra. A split urine stream can also result from a condition called prostatitis. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in males. A split urinary stream can occur in both men and women but most commonly occurs among men. If you’ve noticed a split urinary stream while urinating and would like a physical examination and diagnosis from a healthcare professional, then schedule a consultation with our team at the Urology of Greater Atlanta. Our highly skilled urologists provide accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and can answer your questions regarding prostatitis and your diet. Call us or schedule an appointment online today!

Can you tell testosterone by hands?
Can you tell testosterone by hands?

Short index finger, more testosterone An index finger that is relatively short compared to the ring finger indicates that one has been exposed to a...

Read More »
Does aspirin lower blood pressure?
Does aspirin lower blood pressure?

The important thing to remember is that aspirin does not lower blood pressure on its own. However, its ability to thin out the blood can benefit...

Read More »
Can stress cause enlarged prostate?
Can stress cause enlarged prostate?

When stressed, the body can begin to release the testosterone and DHT hormones. These hormones can cause the prostate gland to enlarge....

Read More »
Do hospitals have size 1 diapers?
Do hospitals have size 1 diapers?

Some larger babies start wearing size 1 diapers from birth, so many hospitals do have size 1 diapers available. Sep 20, 2019

Read More »