Diagnosis and treatment of prostate enlargement at OpenMed Warsaw
Prostate enlargement is one of the most common urological complaints in men over 50. An enlarged prostate gland can make passing urine difficult and gradually affect everyday comfort. If you notice frequent trips to the toilet, a weaker urine stream or a feeling that your bladder is not fully empty, it is worth consulting a urologist. At OpenMed in Warsaw and OpenMed in Płock we offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of prostate enlargement, matching the approach to the cause and severity of your symptoms.
Prostate enlargement (BPH - benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate surrounds the first section of the urethra, so as it grows, urine outflow from the bladder can become obstructed. The condition is not cancer and does not directly increase the risk of prostate cancer, but similar symptoms can also occur in other disorders, which is why they require urological assessment.
Causes and symptoms of prostate enlargement
The exact cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia has not been clearly established. The most important factors are considered to be the natural ageing process and the hormonal changes that come with age. The risk is also higher in men with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and a family history of the condition.
Patients most often report gradually worsening problems with passing urine. Typical symptoms include:
- a weak or interrupted urine stream,
- difficulty starting to pass urine,
- frequent urination, especially at night,
- a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty,
- sudden urgency or the need to use the toilet immediately.
Left untreated, prostate enlargement can lead to urine retention in the bladder, recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones and, in advanced cases, damage to kidney function.
Urology specialists at OpenMed
Book a urology consultation for urinary tract symptoms, male urological problems, and diagnostic planning.
What does the diagnosis of prostate enlargement look like at OpenMed?
Diagnosis starts with a urology consultation. Our specialists take a detailed history covering your symptoms, how long they have lasted and any coexisting conditions. The next step is a physical examination, including a digital rectal examination, which gives an initial assessment of the size and structure of the prostate gland.
Depending on the indications, the doctor may order laboratory tests, including a PSA level, a general urine test and an assessment of kidney function. The work-up is completed with an ultrasound of the urinary tract that assesses the prostate and post-void residual urine. In selected cases uroflowmetry is also performed - a test that measures the strength and flow of the urine stream. Comprehensive diagnosis makes it possible to distinguish benign prostatic hyperplasia from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Treatment of prostate enlargement
The treatment approach depends on how severe the symptoms are, the size of the prostate and how much the condition affects daily life. Our doctors tailor the therapy individually, taking into account the patient's age, coexisting conditions and test results.
In the early stage, lifestyle changes and regular urological check-ups are often enough. For more pronounced complaints, pharmacological treatment is used to improve urine outflow and reduce symptoms. If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, or complications appear, the doctor may refer the patient for a consultation about surgical treatment.
At OpenMed we also pay particular attention to patient education. We explain how to recognise symptoms that need an urgent consultation, how to prepare for follow-up tests and how to limit the factors that make the complaints worse.
Book a urology consultation at OpenMed Warsaw or OpenMed Płock
If you notice problems with passing urine or you want a preventive assessment of your prostate, book a urology consultation at OpenMed.
Registration by phone and online - the OpenMed team will help you find a convenient appointment time and plan the right diagnostic work-up.
FAQ Diagnosis and treatment of prostate enlargement
The most common are more frequent urination, a weaker urine stream, difficulty starting to pass urine and having to get up at night to use the toilet.
No. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a different condition from prostate cancer, but similar symptoms do require urological assessment.
Most often a medical history, a digital rectal examination, a PSA level, a urine test, an ultrasound of the urinary tract and - where indicated - uroflowmetry.
No. In many patients pharmacological treatment and regular check-ups are effective. Surgical treatment is considered mainly for severe symptoms or complications.
It is worth booking a consultation as soon as you have the first difficulties passing urine, frequent urination at night or a feeling that the bladder is not fully empty. Early diagnosis means the right treatment can be started sooner.