Enlarged Prostate - All Every Man Should Know!

A man’s prostate enlarging after he reaches 40 years is considered typical. Affecting millions of men every year, the condition is treatable by a urologist. When the prostate has grown to be substantially large, the urethra is tightly squeezed, and this makes it difficult for the bladder to compensate for the problem and empty entirely.

In some cases, it may lead to blockage from prostate enlargement and subsequent stagnation and backing up of urine. This, in turn, increases the chances of urinary tract infections, bladder diverticula and bladder stones, and kidney damage.

Signs and symptoms of enlarged prostate
The signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate are quite mild at first but can turn into a serious problem if left untreated. The common symptoms of enlarged prostate include:

1. Incomplete emptying of the urinary bladder
2. Need to urinate two or more times in the night
3. Dribbling at the end of the stream
4. Leakage of urine or incontinence
5. A weak stream of urine
6. A slowed and delayed stream of urine
7. Presence of blood in the urine
8. Finding it difficult to start urinating
9. Having a weak flow of urine

Leaking of urine can take place when there is a sudden urge for urinating that cannot be controlled. It may also take place when a person strains owing to cough, sneeze or lifting a heavy object all of a sudden.

The most common form of leaking happens when a little amount of urine dribbles in the underwear after urinating. It is important to consider these symptoms and consult a urologist without further delay. This is because even though the symptoms are mild, they may be triggered by some underlying conditions that need to be treated.

What is the next step?
Your doctor may recommend you to get certain tests done in order to determine whether the prostate gland is enlarged. Some of these tests include:

1. Urinary frequency-volume: The test gives you a record of the amount of water consumed and how much urine you pass and how often you are required to empty your bladder on a day to day basis along with any leakage you have.
2. IPSS questionnaire: This test refers to International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire which allows the doctor to comprehend how serious the symptoms are.
3. Digital rectal examination: Through the test, the doctors can feel the prostate gland through the wall of the rectum.

Besides these diagnostic tests, the doctor may ask you to undergo a blood test for checking that the kidneys are functionally alright. The treatments for the enlarged prostate gland depend on the severity and intensity of the symptoms, and the treatments include medication, catheters, lifestyle changes and surgery. Thus, being aware of your body and taking the necessary steps can help solve the issue.