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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffProstate gland enlargement is a common condition as men get older. Also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic hypertrophy, prostate gland enlargement can cause bothersome urinary symptoms. Untreated prostate gland enlargement can block the flow of urine out of the bladder and can cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.
There are several effective treatments for prostate gland enlargement. In deciding the best option for you, you and your doctor will consider your particular symptoms, the size of your prostate, other health problems you may have and your preferences. Your choices may also depend on what treatments are available in your area. Treatments for prostate gland enlargement include medications, lifestyle changes and surgery.
- Cunningham GR, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Kirby R, et al. Evaluation and nonsurgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Wein AJ: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/169046817-3/0/1445/90.html?tocnode=54305331&fromURL=90.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50089-3_5894. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Clinical guidelines for management of BPH. Linthicum, Md.: American Urological Association. http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/main-reports/bph-management/chapt_1_appendix.pdf. Accessed Nov 3, 2009.
- Humphreys MR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minn. Nov. 23, 2009.
- McVary KT. BPH: Epidemiology and comorbidities. American Journal of Managed Care. 2006;12:S122.
- Hoke G, et al. Racial differences in pathogenetic mechanisms, prevalence, and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urology. 2006;68:924.
- Pearson JD, et al. Familial aggregation of bothersome benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms. Urology. 2003;61:781.
- Cunningham GR. Medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Cunningham GR, et al. Surgical and other invasive therapies of benign prostatic hyperplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Fitzpatrick JM, et al. Minimally invasive and endoscopic management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Wein AJ. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/169046817-3/0/1445/91.html?tocnode=54305416&fromURL=91.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50090-X_5979. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Humphreys MR, et al. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate - Outcomes independent of prostate size? Journal of Urology. 2008;180:2431.
- McClure MW. An overview of holistic medicine and complementary and alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of BPH, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. World Journal of Urology. 2002;20:273.
