Some of the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation is produced by the prostate, a gland. The prostate gland encircles the urethra, the tube that allows urine to leave the body.
A enlarged prostate indicates that the gland has expanded. As men age, almost all experience prostate enlargement.
The condition is commonly called BPH - benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy, and enlarged prostate is not cancer and it does not increase your risks of developing prostate cancer.
What are the causes of enlarged prostate (BPH)?
Prostate enlargement's true cause is unknown. The development of the gland and testosterone levels may be affected by elements associated with aging and modifications in the testicular cells. BPH does not occur in men who had their testicles removed when they were young, such as as a result of testicular cancer.
Additionally, if a guy has his testicles removed after developing BPH, his prostate starts to get smaller. It should be noted that this is not a typical prostate enlargement treatment.
The truths about enlarged prostate
- So many men aged 40 years and above have the mild form of enlarged prostate. In men over 80, the illness affects more than 90% of them according to a study.
- Having functional testicles has been the only risk factor for BPH so far.
- With age, there is a higher chance of acquiring an enlarged prostate.
- Because BPH is so widespread, it has been asserted that if men live long enough, they will all develop an enlarged prostate.
What are the symptoms of enlarged prostate?
Most of men in fact half of the men with the condition do not develop symptoms. However, if symptoms of enlarged prostate occurs the following are common:
- Urinary retention described as failure to pass urine.
- Urination requires an abnormally higher force for urine to come out
- The urine stream becomes weak and slow
- A feel to urinate more often
- Bladder not fully relieved of urine (Urine is incompletely passed out of the bladder)
- Painful urination with some bloody look, especially if there is urinary tract infection.
- Urine delays to come out even if you initiate the urination process.
- Drizzled pattern of urine as it comes out (urine comes out in drops not full stream)
What are the tests to diagnose prostate enlargement?
- flow of urine
- Using a post-void residual urine test, you may determine how much urine is still in your bladder after urinating.
- Studies using pressure-flow to gauge the pressure in your bladder as you urinate
- A urine test to look for blood or infections
- urine culture for infection detection
- Blood test for prostate cancer using prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
- Cystoscopy
- Tests for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine
You might be asked to complete a questionnaire to indicate how seriously your symptoms are taking a toll on your life. Using this score, your healthcare professional can determine whether your condition is getting worse over time.
What are the Treatments for BPH
How severe your symptoms are and how much they annoy you will determine the course of treatment you receive. Other health issues you might have will also be taken into account by your practitioner.
Options for treatment include "watchful waiting," dietary adjustments, medication, or surgery.
You are more susceptible to developing symptoms if you are over 60. Although many men with an enlarged prostate simply have mild symptoms. Often, self-care measures are sufficient to improve your mood.
You should get a BPH checkup every year to monitor your symptoms and determine whether your treatment needs to be changed.
Patient lifestyle changes
Do the following if you have mild symptoms of enlarged prostate:
- When you initially feel the urge, urinate. Additionally, even if you don't feel the need to urinate, schedule regular trips to the restroom.
- Especially after dinner, stay away from alcohol and caffeine.
- Reduce taking more fluid at a go. Daily fluid intake should be spread out. Drink nothing two hours before going to bed.
- Aim to avoid taking over-the-counter antihistamine or decongestant-containing cold and sinus medications. These medicines may worsen BPH symptoms.
- Be warm and go for regular exercise. Symptoms could get worse due to the cold and inactivity.
- Stress reduction. Anxiety and tension can make you urinate more frequently.
Drugs
Surgical operations
- Failure to urinate (urinary retention)
- Urinary incontinence
- Severe symptoms that patient is finding it difficult to withstand
- Repeated episodes of hematuria (blood in urine)
- When kidney functions are reduced.
- Stones in the bladder
- Repeated infections of the urinary tract
- If drugs have failed to control the symptoms.
- Senior citizens
- men who use blood-thinning medications
- Men who might otherwise be more likely to need surgery
- Those who suffer from severe illnesses, such as uncontrolled diabetes, cirrhosis, alcoholism, insanity, or severe lung, renal, or cardiac disease
- youthful men (while the danger with TURP is not extremely significant, many of the less invasive procedures carry a lower risk for impotence and incontinence than TURP)
What are the complications of enlarged prostate?
- Damage to kidneys
- Passing bloody urine
- A sudden failure to pass urine
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidneys and or bladder stones
What to do if you suspect having enlarged prostate
- Abdomen, side, or back discomfort
- Pee with blood or pus in it
- Your symptoms have not decreased despite two months of self-care efforts.
- After urinating, your bladder does not feel quite empty.
- You regularly take medications such sedatives, diuretics, antihistamines, or antidepressants that can result in urinary issues. Avoid stopping or switching medications without first consulting your doctor.
- Less urination than normal
- Cold or fever
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