As a man grows older, his Prostate Gland enlarges. Prostate is the part of the male reproductive system that produces the fluid which carries sperm during ejaculation. Prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube through which the urine passes out of the body. An Enlarged Prostate can be defined as the gland that has grown bigger. It occurs to almost all men as they get older. As the gland grows, it can put pressure on the urethra, causing urination and bladder problems.
The exact cause of Prostate Gland Enlargement is yet unknown, but doctors believe it may be due to the changes in the balance of sex hormones as men grow older.
The severity of Prostate Gland Enlargement varies among men and tends to gradually worsen over time. The symptoms include:
- Weak Urine
- Difficulty in starting urination
- Stopping and starting while urinating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Increase frequency of urination at night
- Formation of stones in bladder
- Reduced function of the kidney
- Unable to empty the bladder completely
- Straining while urinating
One should consult a Urological Surgeon for Prostate Gland Enlargement.
The size of the prostate does not define the severity of the symptoms. In many cases, people with only slightly enlarged prostates have significant symptoms, whereas some people with much more enlarged prostates show only minor symptoms. Only 50% men with Enlarged Prostate have symptoms which become noticeable enough to seek medical treatment, whereas in some men the symptoms stabilize and also may improve over time.
Some lifestyle changes can help in controlling in the symptoms and also prevent the condition from worsening. The following measures are helpful:
- Limit beverages in the evening: Beverage consumption should be avoided an hour or two before bedtime to help avoiding wake-up trips to the bathroom at night
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Excess consumption of caffeine and alcohol can increase the urine production and irritate the bladder that can further worsen the symptoms
- Go when you feel the urge: One should urinate when they feel the urge, as waiting for too long to urinate may overstretch the bladder muscle and cause excess damage
- Keep Warm: Often colder temperatures cause urine retention and increase the urge to urinate
