Enlarged Prostate Symptoms - Prostate Enlargement - Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
When men start to age, they may find that they have a condition
called Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy). The most common enlarged prostate symptom is when men start
to get up several times a night to urinate.
This is usually the first sign of an enlarged prostate.
As men age, the prostate may enlarge. As the prostate gets larger, it squeezes the urethra and causes some urinary problems.
The most common enlarged prostate symptoms include:
Difficulty starting the urine flows
Difficulty stopping the urine flows
Urge to urinate frequently
Being awakened by the need to urinate
Painful urination
Painful ejaculation
Decrease in urine flow
Not able to empty bladder completely
Having an enlarged prostate gland is not considered a major
problem. However, this condition may interfere with the quality
of life and be a major inconvenience. If urination becomes difficult
or urine is backed up, a more serious problem can result. Backed up
urine causes bladder infections or may cause kidney damage.
If totally left untreated, benign prostate hyperplasia/ hypertrophy or
(BPH), means that the prostate begins to grow. Even though (BPH)
is not cancerous the symptoms in some men can cause a potentially
life-threatening medical emergency that may require surgery.
What happens is that around the age of 40, the prostate begins to
grow and increase substantially in size.
According to Claus G. Roehrborn, MD, Professor and chairman
of the Department of urology, University of Texas at Dallas,
"the increase in size is of the prostate is substantial in the
following age groups.
Half of men in their 50's,
About 60% of those in their 60's
About 80% of those in their 80's"
No one knows why some men develop the enlarged prostate symptoms
while others in the same age group with similar lifestyles do not.
Even though research has tested
the usual culprits like diet, smoking ,alcohol consumption, ethnic
groups, the level of sexual activity , even exercise, none of these
markers have been found to make a significant difference.
Some recent medical research shows that in some cases of prostate enlargement,
the symptoms do not get worse over time. Many men find that their enlarged
prostate symptoms stabilize. In some cases the enlarged prostate symptoms
clear up without any intervention.
There are drug treatment therapies available that may help improve the symptoms.
Some common treatment for symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:
Avoidance of antihistamines and decongestants.
(These products can exacerbate urinary problems)
Other over the counter medications as well as prescribed drugs such as
diuretics, tranquilizers, anti-depressants have been shown to aggravate
urinary problems.
If you take these medications or use these over the counter products,
you should consult with a health professional to see if there are
substitute medications available that do not have these side effects.
Reduce the amount of water, alcohol and caffeine consumed prior to bedtime.
Take plenty of time to urinate.
Do not hold urine in the bladder
If dribbling after urination becomes a concern, wash the penis to prevent infection.
If the symptoms of an enlarged prostate last longer than two weeks, it may be time
to seek medical treatment. Being examined and diagnosed early enables you to
confirm the problem and consider your treatment options.
