Look Who it Was Random video

When an Enlarged Prostate Creates a Big Problem

4,032 views · Published 17 February 2015 · 1:35 · Indexed 4 November 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2015 · Science & Technology

Watch on YouTube

As the saying goes: if a man lives long enough, they’ll have it: an enlarged prostate. Up to half of men over age 60 have symptoms, as do 90% of men over 85.

“It will enlarge over time and so yes, it really is a consequence of age,” says Dr. Blake Evans, who is a urologist on medical Staff of Lee Memorial Health System. 

Around the time of a man's 50th birthday, his prostate begins to grow. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. It is not cancer, and doesn’t lead to cancer. However, BPH causes bothersome symptoms in about half of men with the condition.

“The most commonly described symptoms are frequency, going to the bathroom a lot, waking up at night to go, not being able to empty your bladder completely, sometimes some urgency to get to the bathroom,” says Dr. Evans. 

If BPH becomes a problem, doctors may first suggest simple changes like limiting drinks, especially those with caffeine or alcohol in the evening. The next line of treatment is medications that relax the prostate and others that reduce its size. Should the problem get bigger, men have more intensive options.

“They can include laser procedures. Microwave procedures or conventional TRP or re-sectioning procedure of the prostate gland,” says Dr. Evans. 

A growing problem; a frustrating one at that. But with proper treatment, an enlarged prostate doesn’t need to keep you up at night. 

View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

Visit leememorial.org

More from this channel