Written by Deboshree Bhattacharjee,
Prostate problems have long been common among older adults. Harvard Health Publishing highlights that half of all men develop an enlarged prostate by age 60. Prostatic hyperplasia is likely in 95% of men by age 85.
Eventually, this leads to urinary problems, not the least of which is discomfort and potential loss of bladder control.
The impact can feel especially distressing for men who value physical activities as a major part of life. For instance, in Colorado, outdoor pursuits like hiking and skiing are a priority. Exploring procedures like Prostatic Artery Embolization, or PAE treatment in Colorado, can be less painful and quicker approaches to get back in shape.
Regardless, prostate issues can feel limiting and confusing. As healthcare practitioners, extending support to this population segment is essential for improving their overall quality of life. Let us identify care responsibilities toward these patients as they consider and pursue treatment.
Personalized Consulting on Suitable Treatment Options
Although prostate surgery has been a long-standing treatment choice, more people now desire non-surgical and less invasive methods. Besides PAE, this field is witnessing other developments that can improve health outcomes for patients.
Cleveland Clinic notes that transurethral resection is not the only approach possible for benign prostatic enlargement. Patients now have an entire spectrum to consider, from water vapor thermal therapy to a temporarily implanted nitinol device.
It is largely true that non-surgical options involve faster recoveries and less pain. However, as noted by Image Guided Therapy, the physician’s personal experience becomes vital here. Patients should receive adequate information on the outcomes and complication rates of any procedure they plan to undertake.
For healthcare practitioners, consulting patients on the options most suitable for them is an integral part of the role. This will involve discussing:
- The effectiveness of a treatment plan
- The risk of pain and possible complications
- The repercussions on quality of life, including sexual activity and physical fitness
It is also crucial to help patients understand that not every method will be appropriate for every patient. For instance, those with a larger prostate may need a simple prostatectomy for durable results. Implantable devices have limited studies in prostates larger than 60 cc.
Since treatment decisions are complicated and expensive, your support as a physician or nurse can make things easier for the patient.
Providing Strength During Mental Distress
When prostate issues develop, the possibility of cancer can become a source of mental distress among patients.
Even though most cases of enlargement may be benign, prostate cancer is one of the most common of all cancers diagnosed among men. The American Cancer Society reports that this diagnosis constituted 30% of male cancers in 2025. It was the second leading cancer-related death among men, after lung cancer.
Cancer and mental health are very closely related, with the former worsening the latter through diagnosis and treatment. A Psychiatric Times feature highlights that many patients develop psychiatric disorders after a cancer diagnosis. This phenomenon may affect 30 to 40% of oncology patients.
“We have to work with clinicians in oncology and primary care to make sure that doesn’t happen to our patients.” – Dr Riba, Deputy Editor Emeritus, Psychiatric Times.
Of course, cancer is not the only source of mental anguish following a diagnosis of prostate issues. These problems become a dampener for people who have otherwise remained active throughout their lives. The anxiety surrounding potential effects on everyday aspects, including personal relationships, is legitimate.
Yet another reason for mental stress is the cause-and-effect line of thinking. Why did I come down with this? What did I do wrong?
Unfortunately, this line of thought can be futile. Medical experts explain that the specific reasons for prostate enlargement are unclear. However, certain male hormones, such as dihydrotestosterone, may have a role.
For healthcare practitioners, extending support and guidance through these times is essential.
- Counsel the patient on the outlook for their specific case, providing clarity on their (often unfounded) anxieties.
- Direct them to therapy and further counseling if they show symptoms of severe distress.
- Include their family or caregivers in the discussion to ensure they have adequate support outside the immediate healthcare team.
Guiding Patients Toward Healing Methods With Real Scientific Basis
Since prostate issues are a common problem among older men, a range of alternative healing methods have emerged. Many of them are generic, such as yoga for wellness or walking for overall fitness. But there are others that may do more harm than good and interfere with ongoing medical care.
A popular alternative plan is using a saw palmetto herbal supplement. It is easily available in several states, such as Alabama and Florida, which are among the native states for the herb. Some people believe that it has anti-inflammatory properties and mimics some of the drugs used for treating prostate enlargement.
Harvard Health notes that more than a third of adults who take supplements specifically use saw palmetto. It also stresses that the scientific evidence is scant. While it may not cause harm, it may also not bring any improvement. But if patients believe in such supplements so strongly that they refuse medical treatment? Now that can cause harm.
Of course, some alternative approaches may be helpful, although they are generally complementary in nature. Several studies indicate that physical activity, when consistent and present from a younger age, can support prostate health. A 2025 study in Scientific Reports found that adverse lifestyle factors were significant predictors of hyperplasia severity. This means encouraging lifestyle modifications, particularly physical activity, can be beneficial.
Responsible medical practitioners should guide patients toward proven, effective approaches. At the same time, they must maintain a regard for sociocultural beliefs and personal sensitivities.
Supporting Patients With Prostate Problems
| Men affected by enlarged prostate by age 60 | Approximately 50% of men develop an enlarged prostate by age 60 |
| Share of male cancer diagnoses represented by prostate cancer | Around 30% of all cancers diagnosed in men |
| Oncology patients experiencing psychiatric disorders after a cancer diagnosis | Approximately 30–40% of patients |
| Adults taking saw palmetto supplements | More than one-third of supplement users report taking saw palmetto |
| Prostate size considerations for implantable devices | Limited research exists for prostates larger than 60 cc |
| Impact of lifestyle factors on BPH severity | Adverse lifestyle factors are significant predictors of symptom severity |
FAQs
1. Will Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) be suitable for the patient?
Prostatic Artery Embolization has become popular as a treatment plan for an enlarged prostate. Its main benefit is that it is minimally invasive and can speed up recovery. During this, the physician will block specific vessels that supply blood to the prostate. This will make it shrink over time. A patient can consider PAE if they want an alternative to surgery and a quick recovery time. Their eligibility will depend on prostate size and symptom severity, among other factors.
2. Can patients improve prostate health through lifestyle changes?
Sure. Lifestyle modifications do play a supportive role in managing prostate health. For example, they can aim for regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. A balanced diet may also reduce the urinary symptoms that accompany this condition. But lifestyle changes alone may not replace treatment, which means following a physician-recommended care plan will be crucial.
3. Does an enlarged prostate mean prostate cancer?
No. An enlarged prostate is actually very common among older men and is typically a non-cancerous condition. An enlarged prostate does not mean a person has cancer. As a healthcare expert, you must recommend appropriate screening tests and evaluations. This will determine the underlying cause of symptoms and aid in developing a suitable treatment plan.
The Difference Care Can Make
By its very nature, aging can feel life-limiting. As we grow older, health problems tend to worsen, which complicates our ability to get on with life as usual. Since prostate troubles are a fixture for many older men, care-based approaches to treatment and management can be transformative and therapeutic.
Feeling heard and supported is vital throughout our lives, but more as we get older. Knowing that help is accessible can improve confidence and help patients return to their regular lives sooner.
References:
Harvard Health Publishing (2024). The growing problem of an enlarged prostate gland. Retrieved from the Harvard Health Publishing website.
Image Guided Therapy (2026). Retrieved from the Image Guided Therapy website.
Ayodeji E. Sotimehin et al. (2024). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Alternatives to Transurethral Resection. Retrieved from the Cleveland Clinic website.
American Cancer Society (2025). New ACS Prostate Cancer Statistics Report: Late-Stage Incidence Rates Continue to Increase Rapidly as Mortality Declines Slow. Retrieved from the American Cancer Society website.
Michelle B. Riba (2026). Psycho-Oncology: The Relationship of Cancer and Psychiatric Care. Retrieved from Psychiatric Times.
C.W. Schmidt (2025). Can saw palmetto treat an enlarged prostate? Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved from the Harvard Health Publishing website.
Altaseb Beyene Kassaw (2025). Predictors and predictive performance of immune–inflammation indices for symptom severity in benign prostatic hyperplasia.Scientific Reports. Retrieved from Scientific Reports journal.
Author Bio:
Deboshree Bhattacharjee likes telling stories that delight and engage. Her realms include lifestyle, parenting, health & wellness, and technology. Besides writing, she also edits and strategises content. Every morning, she wakes up with the northern lights in her eyes and chalks out travel plans.
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