Enlarged Prostate
Also known as BPH;
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (hyperplasia) or BPH
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What is an enlarged prostate?
Benign prostatic
hypertrophy (hyperplasia) or BPH is a condition in which the
prostate gland grows bigger.
Prostate enlargement is
typical in almost all men as they age, but it becomes a problem
when the prostate enlarges enough to put pressure on the
urethra and cause bladder problems or reduce the flow of
urine.
Having an enlarged
prostate does not raise the risk a man will get prostate
cancer.
Causes
Doctors have not yet determined the reasons a
prostate becomes enlarged. The testicles may play a role, but
it is not known how.
When the testicles are removed after a man
develops benign prostatic hyperplasia, the prostate begins to
shrink. Men who have had testicular cancer, requiring removal
of the testicles do not develop enlarged prostates.
Symptoms
As mentioned above, the prostate gland enlarges
with age in most men. But less than 50 percent of all men who
have BPH will experience symptoms.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include
-
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
Treatment
The severity of the symptoms, and their effect
on everyday life, generally determines the best course of
treatment.
Lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery are
the most common options..
A yearly exam is recommended, especially for
men over 60.
Get more information
on enlarged prostate
Related articles: Prostate Health
Overview, Prostate
Cancer, Prostate
Cancer Symptoms, Prostate Cancer Surgery,
Prostate Cancer
Cure
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