Enlarged Prostate

What is an enlarged prostate and what does it mean for you? This is a condition in which the prostate gland grows bigger and is medically known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (hyperplasia). It is more commonly known as BPH.

So what is it, how can you know if you have it, and what are the treatments options?

An enlarged prostate is typical in most every man with age but it can become a real problem when the prostate grows so much that it puts pressure on the urethra and creates bladder problems or can reduce the flow of urine. Doctors are not completely sure why the prostate becomes enlarged but it is thought that the testicles could play a role. Men who have their testicles removed due to testicular cancer do not develop enlarged prostates.

Some symptoms of an enlarged prostate are:

• Dribbling after urination
• The bladder does not empty completely during urination
• There may be incontinence
• A need to urinate two or more times per night
• Painful or blood-tinged urination, which could also indicate infection
• A delay in starting urination
• Straining to urinate
• An intense, sudden urge to urinate
• Inability to urinate
• A weak urine stream

Of course one of these symptoms alone does not guarantee an enlarged prostate and these problems could also be symptoms of something else but if you are experiencing any of these conditions, you should see your doctor right away to determine the cause.

There is treatment for an enlarged prostate and the type of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and how much impact they are having on your daily life. Sometimes something as simple as certain lifestyle changes can correct the problem. At other times, medication or even surgery may be needed.

Becoming aware of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and having a yearly exam, especially once you are over the age of 60, can help you catch the condition early when treatment may be easier and your condition will be less severe.