Enlarged Prostate – Causes and Symptoms
Having an enlarged prostate is a common condition. There are many causes and symptoms, and there are also many treatment options. This article will give you a brief overview of this condition, and it will also look at how you can prevent it from happening.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include incontinence, pain, and urinary retention. These symptoms are common in men, especially older men. Fortunately, most of these symptoms are not cancerous and may be treatable. However, they can interfere with a man’s quality of life and cause other health problems. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment.
The symptoms of an enlarged prostate can range from mild to severe. Fortunately, treatment for these symptoms is often non-invasive and often involves modifying a man’s lifestyle. However, if your symptoms are severe, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the enlarged prostate tissue.
An enlarged prostate can cause obstruction in the urinary system, which can lead to more serious problems. A doctor may prescribe medications to relax the bladder muscles, reduce obstruction, or decrease the size of the prostate.
A urologist may also recommend surgery to remove an enlarged prostate. Surgery is usually recommended for moderate to severe symptoms, but not for those with only mild symptoms.
Men with mild symptoms may be advised to wait a few months before seeking treatment. The symptoms of an enlarged prostate tend to get worse with time, and ignoring them is not a good idea.
The International Prostate Symptom Score is a measure of how severe a man’s prostate symptoms are. The score is calculated by determining how often the person needs to urinate and how often the person’s urine is passed.
Several tests are used to diagnose BPH. Some of these tests include urine swabs, urine flow tests, and prostate symptom questionnaires. These tests can detect underlying conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
A bladder pressure test uses a tube sensor to measure the pressure inside the bladder. If there is too much pressure inside the bladder, a doctor will use a catheter to drain the bladder.
Getting a full evaluation of an enlarged prostate requires a cystoscopy. A cystoscope is a tiny camera that is inserted into the urethra and threaded up. The doctor will then look inside the bladder for signs of inflammation or damage.
Causes
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate can be bothersome and make urinating difficult. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice. A urologist can examine you to identify the source of your symptoms and offer treatment options.
There are many possible causes of an enlarged prostate. The condition may be caused by a bladder infection, weak bladder muscles, or an accumulation of male hormones (androgens). There are medications and treatments that can help reduce the size of the prostate gland. However, if the enlargement is caused by prostate cancer, surgery may be necessary.
The prostate gland, located below the bladder, surrounds the urethra, a tube that carries urine out of the body. As the gland grows, it can squeeze out the urethra, causing difficulties in urinating.
Men who suffer from enlarged prostate have difficulty in urinating and need to go to the bathroom more frequently than normal. They may also experience frequent urinary tract infections.
An enlarged prostate can also cause problems with sex. Men who suffer from BPH may experience painful orgasms. A prostate MRI can help diagnose the condition and choose the most appropriate treatment.
If prostate enlargement is caused by prostate cancer, treatment can be radiation, hormonal therapy, or surgery. These treatments will depend on the severity of the symptoms and cancer’s aggressiveness.
Some men will experience both an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer at the same time. If the enlarged prostate is not treated, it can lead to urinary tract infections and kidney failure. It can also cause bladder diverticula.
If your enlarged prostate is causing problems with sex, you may want to take finasteride, which decreases the hormones in your body. Finasteride can also cause impotence, so make sure you discuss this with your doctor.
Other treatments for an enlarged prostate include microwave therapy, laser treatments, and medications. You can also help to ease the symptoms of an enlarged prostate by following a few self-care steps. For example, try to avoid alcohol after dinner. You should also avoid caffeine after dinner. You should also go to the bathroom on a schedule. You may also want to wear absorbent pads under your underwear.
Treatment options
Depending on the severity of the condition, there are four main treatment options for an enlarged prostate. The options include surgery, medication, minimally invasive treatments, and watchful waiting. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is up to you to decide which one will work for you.
Prostate surgery, also known as a prostatectomy, involves the removal of all or part of the prostate gland. This procedure can be painful and has a greater recovery time than other treatments.
Minimally invasive treatments are performed in the office and may be effective alternatives to surgery. However, some patients may not be able to tolerate general anesthesia. In addition, these procedures may not provide the same results as open surgery. Some minimally invasive treatments use heat to destroy excess prostatic tissue.
Prostate surgery is the most severe of the enlarged prostate treatment options. It can help to relieve the symptoms of BPH, but it can also cause problems with erections. Some men may need to restart the medication after surgery. It can also cause blood loss and pain.
In the office, minimally invasive procedures can be used to treat moderate to severe symptoms. These treatments may be more effective than medication, and patients may be able to return home the same day. These treatments usually use various energy sources, such as lasers, radio waves, and heat. Some patients may also need spinal anesthesia.
If you are suffering from an enlarged prostate, you may wish to schedule an appointment with a Urology Specialist. They will help you understand your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan that is right for you. They will also discuss the possible side effects and benefits of each treatment.
Alpha-blockers are drugs that help to shrink an enlarged prostate. They relax the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate gland. These drugs include alfuzosin, Uroxatral, and Flomax. They can be very effective in men with small prostates. They also reduce symptoms, but they can take a while to work.
Some men have trouble urinating after prostate surgery. They may need to undergo catheter draining before a new medication is started.
Preventing it
Fortunately, there are some natural ways to prevent an enlarged prostate. You can start by eating a healthy diet. You can also take natural supplements to promote prostate health.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. These foods contain antioxidants that will fight free radicals. You should also avoid trans fats. Trans fats are known to have negative effects on the heart.
A good night’s sleep is the first line of defense against stress. You should get adequate rest in order to maintain healthy hormone levels. If you don’t get adequate sleep, you may suffer from insomnia. You may also be more susceptible to urinary tract infections.
You should try to limit the amount of fluid you drink at night. This will help you avoid frequent trips to the bathroom. You should also avoid caffeinated drinks after dinner.
You should also eat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats may help you stave off heart disease. However, they may not be beneficial for your prostate.
You should also eat foods that contain a natural anti-inflammatory called beta-sitosterol. You can consume flaxseeds, brussels sprouts, and collard greens. These foods also contain phytoestrogens. These plant hormones promote prostate health.
You can also try prostate massage therapy. For prostates that are sensitive, this therapy can be performed under general anesthesia. You can also use bladder training to help you hold your urine for longer periods.
You may also consider surgery to help you treat your enlarged prostate. Surgical techniques such as transurethral resection can help remove excess prostate tissue. You can also try laser therapy. Laser treatment can open up the urethra.
Other ways to prevent an enlarged prostate are to exercise. You should also limit your intake of processed foods. Processed foods do not contain the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. You should also try to avoid alcohol. You should also consider talking to a therapist if you experience depression or other mental health issues.
An enlarged prostate can cause many complications. You may also need to take medications to help you relax your bladder. You should also get regular checkups to make sure you are not developing prostate cancer.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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