An enlarged or inflamed prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia) doesn't go away on its own. If the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are mild and not bothersome, treatment may not be necessary. In fact, one-third of men with mild BPH find that their symptoms disappear without any treatment. This is known as watchful waiting. Because BPH cannot be cured, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms.
The type of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, how much they bother the patient, and whether there are any complications. The more irritating the symptoms, the more aggressive the treatment should be. In some cases, a catheter may be needed for a few days if there is blood in the urine. Painful or frequent urination should go away in about two to three weeks. Sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, are unlikely.
If your symptoms don't go away during watchful waiting, you and your healthcare provider should start discussing treatment options. At first, the symptoms of an enlarged prostate may come and go, so it's reasonable to take a “wait and see what happens” approach to mild symptoms. However, in the long term, symptoms tend to gradually worsen. An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, is not cancerous, but over time it can cause annoying urinary symptoms. To help your doctor understand how annoying the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are for you, the American Urological Association (AUA) has developed a BPH symptom index. The symptoms of an enlarged prostate may be mild or come and go and, as a result, most men wait several months, even years, before seeing a doctor.
Treatments Treatment is available when the symptoms of an enlarged prostate affect quality of life or are so severe that they put you at risk of serious complications, such as urinary tract infections or damage to the bladder or kidneys. However, when symptoms of an enlarged prostate are bothersome or affect quality of life or overall health, it's time to talk to your doctor about treatment options. The symptoms and need for treatment vary depending on each man's enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).They can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe, but the degree of prostate enlargement is not directly related to the severity of the symptoms. You have a higher risk of prostate cancer if you're black or have a family history of prostate cancer.
Starting around age 40, hormonal changes cause the number of cells in a man's prostate to increase, causing the prostate to grow and contract the urinary tube that runs through its center. In conclusion, an enlarged prostate does not go away on its own and requires medical attention if it causes bothersome symptoms. Mild cases may improve without treatment but it is important to consult with your doctor if you experience any urinary problems.
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