From Symptoms to Solutions: What Causes an Enlarged Prostate in Men

If you’ve found yourself waking up multiple times a night to use the restroom or experiencing a weak stream when you go, you’re not alone. These are common symptoms of an enlarged prostate—something that affects millions of men, especially as they age.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly what causes an enlarged prostate, how to recognize the signs, and why MTVIR in Dallas offers a minimally invasive treatment that’s helping men take control of their prostate health—without the side effects of lifelong medications or invasive surgery.

What Is an Enlarged Prostate?

An enlarged prostate—also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)—is a non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland increases in size, often leading to urinary issues. While it’s not life-threatening, it can seriously impact your quality of life.

The prostate is a small gland, roughly the size of a walnut, located just below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra—the tube that carries urine out of the body. As the prostate enlarges, it can begin to squeeze the urethra, causing a variety of frustrating urinary symptoms.

What Causes an Enlarged Prostate?

The exact cause of BPH isn’t fully understood, but several key factors are known to contribute:

1. Aging and Hormonal Changes

Age is the most significant risk factor. BPH rarely occurs in men under 40, but by age 60, more than half of men will experience it. Hormonal shifts—particularly a change in the balance between testosterone and estrogen—are thought to stimulate prostate growth over time.

2. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

DHT is a byproduct of testosterone. As men age, DHT levels can remain high in the prostate even as testosterone declines. This buildup of DHT is believed to be a major driver of prostate enlargement.

3. Genetics and Family History

If your father or brothers have dealt with an enlarged prostate, your chances of developing BPH are higher. Genetics may influence how sensitive your prostate is to hormonal changes.

4. Chronic Inflammation

Long-term inflammation in the prostate or surrounding areas can potentially trigger tissue growth, leading to enlargement.

5. Lifestyle Factors

While not direct causes, poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption may exacerbate BPH symptoms.

Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

Because the prostate wraps around the urethra, BPH primarily causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as:

• Difficulty starting urination

• Weak or interrupted stream

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)

• Feeling like the bladder is never fully empty

• Sudden urges to urinate

• Dribbling after urination

• Incomplete bladder emptying

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and often worsen over time if left untreated.

When to See a Doctor

While BPH isn’t cancer, ignoring it can lead to complications like:

• Urinary retention (inability to urinate)

• Bladder stones

• Bladder or kidney damage

• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

If you’re noticing any of the symptoms above—especially if they’re interfering with sleep or daily life—it’s time to talk to a specialist.

469-458-9800

Traditional BPH Treatment Options

For decades, men were offered two main choices:

1. Medications

Drugs like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are commonly prescribed, but they don’t work for everyone. Side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction.

2. Surgery (TURP)

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a more invasive option. While effective, it typically requires a hospital stay, catheter use, and comes with potential side effects such as retrograde ejaculation and incontinence.

A Modern, Non-Surgical Alternative: PAE

At MTVIR in Dallas, we offer a breakthrough outpatient treatment called Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE).

What Is PAE?

PAE is a minimally invasive procedure performed by Dr. Travis Van Meter, a board-certified interventional radiologist. Using image guidance, he inserts a tiny catheter—often through the wrist—and delivers microscopic particles to block the blood flow feeding the prostate. This causes the prostate to shrink over time and relieves pressure on the urethra.

Benefits of PAE:

• No general anesthesia

• No hospital stay

• Minimal downtime (most return to activities in a few days)

• No sexual side effects like retrograde ejaculation

• Performed in our on-site, state-of-the-art operating suite—no need to deal with hospital visits

Why Choose MTVIR in Dallas?

At MTVIR, we’ve helped hundreds of men in the Dallas-Fort Worth area find relief from BPH without surgery.

Our in-house imaging, outpatient angiosuite, and dedicated staff mean you receive streamlined, expert care all under one roof. No crowded hospitals. No long wait times. Just precise, patient-centered treatment in a modern, private setting.

Looking for a prostate clinic in Dallas?

Look no further. We have a state-of-the-art center in North Dallas, where we can perform not only consultations but also surgeries.

Find us at:

9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75225
Call (469) 458-9800
Or contact us here to schedule a consultation.