Benign prostate enlargement (BPE) is a common condition in men over the age of 50. It is not a cancer and usually does not pose a serious health threat. However, it can cause problems with urination, which can be bothersome and have an impact on lifestyle. In this article, we will discuss what an enlarged prostate is, the symptoms, causes, and treatments available.
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and its function is to add fluid to sperm before ejaculation. As men age, the prostate grows and can begin to pinch or tighten the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This can make it difficult for men with an enlarged prostate to urinate. The first symptom of an enlarged prostate is difficulty urinating.
Instead of having a strong, even flow, urine just drips like a faucet that drips; it drips, drips, drips. Because you don't empty your bladder completely every time, you still feel the need to go to the bathroom, even in the middle of the night. To examine the prostate, the doctor or urologist will check the prostate by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger and feeling for any growths. Other tests can check the flow of urine and the amount of urine left in the bladder after surgery, as well as check for signs of an infection or prostate cancer. Treatment for an enlarged prostate often depends on how you feel.
If you don't have any symptoms, your doctor may suggest watchful waiting. If you have bothersome symptoms, medications can reduce the size of your prostate and relax your bladder and prostate so that you don't constantly feel the need to go to the bathroom. For more severe symptoms, surgery can remove excess prostate tissue. To help ease the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, control the amount of fluid you drink, especially before bed or before going out. Minimizes alcohol and caffeine, as well as over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines.
They can make your symptoms worse. Once you've emptied your bladder, wait a while and try to do it again without straining or pushing. Some people take herbs such as saw palmetto for prostate enlargement. While there is some evidence that these herbs can alleviate BPH symptoms, many studies have found no benefit. Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal remedies, as they can cause side effects. No, having an enlarged prostate does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.
The two problems usually start in different parts of the prostate. However, men can have an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer at the same time. Some studies show that obese men and men who have diabetes may be more likely to develop an enlarged prostate. There's also some research that suggests that you may have a higher risk of developing an enlarged prostate if your father or brother has one. For more information on advances in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate diseases, read the Harvard Medical School Annual Report on Prostate Diseases. You may not have all of these symptoms, and some men with an enlarged prostate may not have any symptoms at all. An enlarged prostate clutters up its anatomical neighbors, particularly the urethra, causing it to narrow.
However, we still need more studies on the causes of prostate enlargement to know for sure if we can prevent it and how to do it.
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