Enlarged prostate is a common problem faced by men as they grow old. The problem starts in mid forties and men over sixty are more prone to get enlarged prostate. Doctors do not know the causes or any method to prevent enlarged prostate. But you can rest assure that this is not a life threatening disease and neither it is cancerous. You can lead a normal life with certain changes in life style. But having full knowledge about enlarged prostate is always good as you can understand the symptoms better and know what to do.
What is prostate gland?
Prostate is a male organ whose main purpose is to secrete semen. It is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the duct through which urine passes.
In an infant the prostate is of the size of a pea and grows with age. When a boy reaches puberty there is a rapid growth till the age of 25 years when the prostate gland becomes the size of a walnut.
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What is enlarged prostate?
An enlarged prostate means that the gland has grown larger. The cells in the middle portion of the gland rapidly multiply. It is clinically termed as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy. As the gland enlarges, it presses the urethra and blocks flow of urine partially.
When does enlarged prostate occur?
Mid 40s to end 40s is the time when most men suffer from enlarged prostate.
Causes of enlarged prostate
The causes of enlarged prostate are still unknown. With age the level of male hormone and female hormone changes in male. The change in the ratio may be a cause behind enlarged prostate.
Another theory states that with age there is an increase in the number of cells of the prostate gland or increased sensitivity towards normal levels of hormonal level.
Enlarged prostate symptoms
There are several symptoms of enlarged prostate but they may not appear in all men. We are listing here some of them.
- Trickle at the end of urination
- Unable to empty bladder
- Straining to urinate
- Difficulty in initiating urination
- Blood in urine
- More frequent urge to urinate specially at night
Diagnosis of enlarged prostate
Doctors generally take a full medical history and then perform digital rectal exam to check the prostate gland. Some other tests may also be performed like urine culture to check for infection and urine analysis to check for blood in the urine.
Some men are referred to urologists for further tests as before starting treatment for enlarged prostate it is essential to check for other reasons behind enlarged prostate such as prostate cancer.
Although the reasons behind enlarged prostate is uncertain still knowing the symptoms and having some idea about its treatment is good.
Prostate treatment
The treatment of enlarged prostate depends on the severity of it and the extent to which your daily life is affected. But there are some measures that you can take on your own. These self-care tips will definitely ease your problems a lot.
Enlarged prostate natural treatment
- Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine especially after dinner so that you do not urinate at night.
- Don’t drink too much of fluid at a go. Spread you fluid intake throughout the day.
- Go to washroom whenever you feel the urge. Delaying to urinate will overstretch the bladder and worsen the problems.
- Exercise can help mitigate your symptoms. Doing Kegel exercises are particularly helpful to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
- Reduce stress level as it may lead to more frequent urination.
- Avoid medicines that contain decongestants as they can increase the symptoms.
- Include lot of fibers in your diet to have proper bowel movements. A clean colon will increase your prostate health.
Medical treatment for enlarged prostate
- Doctors often suggest “watchful waiting” as the cure of enlarged prostate as in most men the symptoms can lessen without any treatment.
- For men with moderate symptoms treatment should be started immediately. The medicines that are generally used are Alpha – blockers which relax the muscle of the bladder neck and prostrate.
- There are other drugs available which make the prostrate to shrink.
- If the symptoms are too severe or complicated doctor may suggest surgery also.
Surgery of enlarged prostate
Prostrate surgery is of two kinds. In the first one, the tissues of the innermost part of the prostate gland are removed to lessen the pressure on the urethra. In the other type one or more cuts are made on the prostrate to reduce pressure on the urethra.
The major disadvantage of prostrate surgery is that it can result in impotency or incontinence.
With age men start facing a lot of physical problems, enlarged prostate is one of them. Modifying life style and becoming aware about it can reduce the symptoms and help in leading a full life.
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