Urologist Cletus Roy Georges, MD gives his professional insight into age-associated prostate gland enlargement.
Dr. Cletus Georges
A form of age-associated prostate gland enlargement, benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause urination difficulty, and, in other cases, incontinence or sexual dysfunction. An experienced urologist based in Kissimmee, Florida, and serving the local community and those from surrounding areas for many years, Dr. Cletus Roy Georges provides a closer, professional look at the common prostate condition.
“Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or so-called prostate enlargement, further to urination difficulties, may also include frequent urination, weak stream, or a loss of bladder control,” explains urologist Dr. Georges, “and, in some cases, sexual dysfunction.”
With more than 3 million U.S. cases diagnosed per year, benign prostatic hyperplasia requires a formal diagnosis and is usually treatable by medical professionals.
The condition is most commonly diagnosed in those aged over 40. “Laboratory tests or imaging are often required,” Dr. Georges explains, “and while benign prostatic hyperplasia is considered chronic, often lasting for years, or proving to be lifelong, the condition is generally treatable or can be managed by urologists such as myself, as well as the wider medical profession.”
Despite some misconceptions, benign prostatic hyperplasia isn’t believed by medical professionals to be a precursor to prostate cancer. Other secondary conditions may arise, however, further to the symptoms already outlined by Dr. Georges, and may include bladder stones and reduced kidney function, plus associated, often localized infections.
“Common treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia include medications developed to relax the bladder, or to shrink the prostate, as well as what is typically a minimally invasive form of surgery,” reveals expert Dr. Georges.
Medications employed in the treatment of the condition currently include alpha-blockers, such as terazosin, and dihydrotestosterone blockers, such as finasteride. The exact cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia, according to Dr. Georges, is unclear, although risk factors are understood to include a family history of the condition, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and a lack of exercise.
“Existing prescribed medications such as pseudoephedrine, anticholinergics, and calcium channel blockers,” he adds, wrapping up, “may also worsen symptoms in those suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia, which should also be taken into account.”
Cletus Roy Georges, MD attended Weill Cornell University Medical College in New York City, graduating in 1991 and completing his residency in urology at Chicago’s Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center in 1997. Shortly after that, urology specialist Dr. Georges began his practice in Sebring, Florida, before relocating to the Orlando area where he remains settled today.
