Enlarged Prostates: If You are a Man, You Have Some Risk
Prostate enlargement is extremely common in men over fifty. In fact, it is the most common ailment among men this age.
The prostate is a gland located beneath the bladder. If it becomes enlarged, it squeezes the urinary tract, causing a number of problems.
Incontinence varies from frequent urination to the inability to urinate to a weak stream or a small amount of blood in the urine. While this condition is uncomfortable, there are many methods available to reduce the problem and enhance function of the narrowed urethra.
Many people with prostate enlargement do not need surgery or even medical attention. However, if you notice symptoms, it is best to have a doctor monitor your condition.
Symptoms may flare up that require medications. Flomax is one such drug that can help reduce the size of the prostate and allow urine to flow normally.
The severity of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can fluctuate, and it is important to have regular check-ups.
Symptoms that require immediate attention include: urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, severe urinary retention, and bladder stones. If you let the minor symptoms slide, you may end up in more pain with these more serious problems. These also require more intensive methods of treatment than medication.
When the problem is allowed to go unchecked, simple medication may not be enough to relieve the symptoms and remedy the condition. Invasive procedures may then become necessary. Because they involve going through the urethra, they can be uncomfortable or painful.
Because the prostate is blocking the flow of urine, these surgeries seek to remove extra tissue or widen the passage to make urination easier and more comfortable.
Two methods are widely used for destroying excess tissue through the urethra: electromagnetically-generated heat and microwave thermotherapy.
Another procedure, photo-selective vaporization, is also performed through the urethra, and seeks to relieve discomfort and pain caused by enlarged prostates. Small incisions are made into the bladder, and one common side effect is a temporary decrease in sexual functioning.
These methods may be enough to relieve symptoms and restore urinary flow and health. The condition, however, may progress to prostate cancer in some patients.
In Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) portions of the prostate are removed. More severe cases may call for a radical prostatectomy. The prostate is entirely removed in this procedure.
As with photo-selective vaporization, these surgeries may affect sexual performance. Many men find they experience sexual dysfunction of some kind, including trouble ejaculating. More surgery may be required to resolve these issues.
While prostate enlargement is very common, it doesn’t need to progress to the point where it negatively impacts your life. As you age, your chances of having prostate problems grows. Learn to recognize the symptoms, and have them checked out before they worsen.
Prudent doctor visits can help prevent surgery and can even stop cancer before it spreads. Men over 40 should consult their doctor’s and enquire about yearly prostate checkups.
