Lone Star Urology

Enlarged Prostate

Enlarged Prostate services offered in Austin, TX

Prostate enlargement has various adverse effects on your ability to urinate freely and control urination. Call board-certified urologist Micaela Aleman, MD, at Lone Star Urology in Austin, Texas, if you develop enlarged prostate symptoms. Dr. Aleman is an experienced doctor with specialized skills, including performing minimally invasive procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Call Lone Star Urology to arrange an enlarged prostate evaluation or schedule a consultation online today.

Enlarged Prostate Q & A

What is an enlarged prostate?

The prostate gland sits below your bladder, surrounding the urethra (a tube carrying urine out of your body). It produces fluid that mixes with your sperm when you ejaculate. Sometimes, the gland grows bigger, putting pressure on the urethra.  

An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia/BPH) commonly develops in men as they age because their prostate gland naturally gets larger throughout their adult life. As the gland grows, it squeezes your urethra, interfering with urine flow.  

What symptoms does an enlarged prostate cause?

An enlarged prostate causes symptoms such as:

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Dribbling after urination
  • Waking during the night to urinate
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Weak or slow urine stream
  • Urine stream that stops and starts
  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • Inability to empty your bladder

Symptoms only appear when your prostate enlargement affects the urethra. An enlarged prostate increases your risk of bladder stones and urinary tract infections in severe cases. 

How is an enlarged prostate treated?

Lone Star Urology offers medical and interventional treatment options. Examples include:

Observation or natural supplements

Dr. Aleman will discuss options that might interest a patient prior to engaging in medical therapy or considering surgery.


Medications

Mild to moderate cases of prostate enlargement may improve with medications. Certain drugs relax the muscles in your prostate or limit hormones that cause prostate growth.


Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

TURP removes the parts of the prostate surrounding your urethra. You don’t need an incision because Dr. Aleman guides the instrument (resectoscope) through the urethra.

The scope holds a tiny camera (so she can see the tissues), valves that control irrigating fluid, and an electrical wire loop. The loop cuts the prostate tissues and seals blood vessels while the irrigating fluid carries the tissues away.

Don’t wait to schedule an appointment if you have an enlarged prostate. Call Lone Star Urology or book online today.