The prostate is a muscular gland in men’s reproductive system. It surrounds the urethra and aids in making the fluid in the semen. But at times, the prostate can become enlarged.
It mainly happens when the cells of the prostate start to grow. The extra cells cause the prostate gland to become swollen, which squeezes the urethra and also restricts the urine flow.
Enlarged prostate is also known as BPH [Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia], but this condition is not similar to prostate cancer.
It will also not increase the chances of cancer, but the symptoms of the BPH will affect a person’s quality of life. The condition is also common among men who are over 50.
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Signs and Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
The symptoms/signs can give you an idea of whether or not you have an enlarged prostate or BPH. Let’s go through the main signs/symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.
Nocturia
It is something that begins pretty slowly, with just a few trips to the washroom at midnight. But with time, the trips to the washroom will become a lot more frequent.
Even though people do visit the washroom many times when they drink plenty of fluid, Nocturia will occur no matter how much fluid you drink.
The frequent need to urinate can make things like attending meetings or long car rides difficult.
Experiencing Difficulty in Urinating
When the prostate gland becomes bigger or enlarged, it can make it difficult for you to urinate properly. It will make urination painful and uncomfortable.
Urinary hesitancy takes place when the urine begins slowly unless it becomes much more consistent. On certain occasions, you will have the urge to urinate, but you may not be able to. The weak flow of urine is another sign of BPH.
Urinary Tract Infections
UTI, or urinary tract infection, is another symptom of enlarged prostate. This condition is common in women, but they also occur in men who have BPH.
UTIs occur when the bacteria starts to build up when it’s not removed through urination. When you have cloudy urine and feel chills or a burning sensation while urinating, it’s a sign of a urinary tract infection or an enlarged prostate.
Blood in the Urine
Another sign of enlarged prostate is when you start to see blood in your urine. It shows that there are many other complications involved. The complication can either be cancer or an infection.
Inconsistency
When the pressure starts to build up in the urethra, you will experience urinary leakage. It means the urine will start to dribble. It is also an important sign of an enlarged prostate in men.
Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate
Some Enlarged Prostate Treatment options can help you get relief from the condition.
Medications
Many prescribed medications can help relax the prostate muscle and also lessen the tension in the urethra. Some of these are:
- Flomax [Tamsulosin]
- Rapaflo [Silodosin]
- Hytrin [Terazosin]
- Uroxatral [Alfuzosin]
- Cardura [Doxazosin]
Many medications can reduce DHT production, which is a hormone. In return, it will slow down the growth of the prostate gland. These medications are ideal for patients who have a big prostate. The medications are:
- Avodart [Dutasteride]
- Proscar [Finasteride]
The doctor might also provide you with combination drugs to treat the symptoms of BPH and improve the flow of urine. The most popular combination medication is Tamsulosin [Jalyn] and Dutasteride.
Surgical Procedures
You can also get relief from BPH through surgery. These are the following surgical procedures:
TURP [Transurethral Resection of the Prostate]
In this procedure, the urologist will insert an instrument called a “resectoscope” through the urethra. It will enable them to see the prostate tissue and remove it.
TUIP [Transurethral Incision of the Prostate]
During the TUIP procedure, the urologist will create two small cuts in the prostate, where the bladder and urethra link together. Doing so will help widen the urethra to improve the flow of urine.
GreenLight Laser
The urologist will utilize a special type of laser that will evaporate the tissue of the enlarged prostate.
Transurethral Electrovaporization
Under this procedure, the urologist will utilize the electrode to heat the prostate tissue. It will vapourize the tissue cells present in the enlarged sections of the prostate.
Wrapping Up
Having an enlarged prostate or Benign Prostate Hyperplasia [BPH] can lead to pain and discomfort.
It will also make it difficult for a person to urinate properly. But the best way to know that you have an enlarged prostate is through the symptoms/signs.
Once you learn about the symptoms, it will become easier for you to get effective treatment. That way, you can stop the condition from becoming worse.
Read more health blogs about:
Does Diet Play an Important Role in Preventing Enlarged Prostate?
When to Get Prostate Surgery Done?
