These 9 symptoms, which indicate an enlarged prostate
If the problem of prostate enlargement that occurs with increasing age is not ignored and recognized and treated in time, most patients can live a normal and healthy life.
Do you have to get up repeatedly at night to urinate? Is your urine stream weaker than before? Do you feel like there is still something left after urinating? Many men are experiencing such problems. They ignore such problems that appear with increasing age as normal. But these symptoms may be signs of an enlarged prostate gland.
According to studies, about half of men around the world who are over 50 years old have prostate enlargement, and by the age of 80, about 80 percent of men have some level of prostate enlargement. However, if recognized and treated in time, most patients can live a normal and healthy life.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small gland found only in the male body, which is usually the size of a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It plays an important role in the reproductive process by producing seminal fluid.
As we age, this gland gradually begins to enlarge. In medical terms, it is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When the prostate enlarges, the passage for urine becomes narrow, causing various problems.
9 major symptoms of prostate enlargement
1. Weak urine stream
Urine does not come in a strong stream as before, but instead comes in a small stream or drops. In some cases, it may take some time for urination to begin.
2. Feeling that the bladder is not empty even after urinating
Feeling that there is still some urine left after urinating is an important sign of prostate enlargement.
3. Frequent urination
Especially when you have to urinate more often than usual throughout the day.
4. Getting up frequently at night to urinate
Having to get up one or more times during the night to urinate is one of the most common symptoms of prostate enlargement. This can disrupt sleep, causing fatigue and affect quality of life.
5. Straining to urinate
You may have to strain your stomach to start or finish urinating. This is a sign that the urinary tract is narrow.
6. Delayed urination
Hesitancy is when you feel the urge to urinate but don't urinate immediately, or you have to wait or strain. This is one of the early signs of prostate enlargement.
7. Sudden and intense urge to urinate and urine leakage
Urgent urge to urinate and sometimes leaking urine before reaching the toilet can also be a sign of prostate enlargement.
8. Blood in the urine
Sometimes blood may be present in the urine. In such cases, you should seek medical advice without delay.
9. Burning or Painful Urination
Some people may experience discomfort, burning, or pain when urinating. This is especially common if there is an infection.
Who is at higher risk?
–Men over 50
–Family history of prostate problems
–Diabetes or high blood pressure
–Obesity
–Inactivity
–Smoking and drinking alcohol
Why is an enlarged prostate a problem?
The prostate surrounds the urethra. When it is large, the passage for urine to pass out becomes narrow. As a result, there is a risk of urine retention, urine retention in the bladder, infection, stone formation, and even kidney damage in the long term.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose prostate problems, doctors can perform various tests along with symptoms
-Urine test
-PSA test in the blood
-Ultrasound
-Urine flow test (uroflowmetry)
MRI or biopsy if necessary
Treatment
Not all patients need surgery. In many patients, medication and lifestyle changes give good results.
Lifestyle considerations
-Do not drink too much fluid before going to bed
-Reduce tea, coffee, and alcohol intake
-Do not hold urine for too long
-Do regular walking and exercise
-Do not allow constipation
-Keep weight under control
There are mainly two types of drugs used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms caused by the prostate. In some patients, both types of drugs are used simultaneously.
Alpha-blocker drugs
Such as tamsulosin, alfuzosin, and silodosin. These medications help to relax the urinary tract and make it easier to urinate.
Five-alpha reductase inhibitor medications
Such as finasteride and dutasteride. These medications help to reduce the size of the prostate over time.
When is surgery necessary?
– Complete blockage of urination
– Frequent infections
– Repeated blood in the urine
– Formation of bladder stones
– Kidney damage
– No improvement with medication
How is prostate surgery performed?
– TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)
This is the most commonly performed surgery in the world. The excess prostate is removed by inserting an instrument through the urethra.
– Laser surgery or open or robotic surgery
Are prostate enlargement and prostate cancer the same?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common problem in many men, and prostate cancer are not the same disease. BPH is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that occurs with age. In contrast, prostate cancer is a malignant disease caused by uncontrolled growth of prostate cells, which may not cause any symptoms in the early stages.
Some signs of both diseases
Since they can be similar, it is not possible to differentiate them based on symptoms alone. Therefore, it is very important to make an accurate diagnosis through PSA testing and medical examination. The good news is that both conditions can be effectively managed if identified and treated early.
Many men hide their prostate symptoms due to shame, fear, or neglect. Most prostate problems can be controlled with timely screening, proper treatment, and a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the body's signals should not be ignored.
