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Problem Peeing? 6 Things All Men Should Know About Enlarged Prostate

After men turn 40, it is crucial for them to be regular with their health check-ups, especially when they experience trouble urinating. Prostate enlargement is a common health problem that needs timely medical treatment, lest it turns severe.

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Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : December 30, 2024 4:33 PM IST

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Medically Verified By: Dr Amit Saple, consultant urologist at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Vizag

Prostate problems seen in men: Many men, especially after they reach a certain age, experience some kind of discomfort and trouble peeing. It could be a problem associated with the prostate gland, which is present in every male body. Doctors say that the gland may begin to get enlarged usually after the age of 40. Given the fact that it sits right outside the bladder, surrounding the urinary passage (urethra), it causes problems in peeing. According to Dr Amit Saple, consultant urologist at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Vizag, there are six essential things that men should know about enlarged prostate. Read on to find out everything about it.

What Is An Enlarged Prostate?

Dr Saple explains that the prostate gland is present outside the bladder surrounding the urethra. When it begins to get enlarged, usually after 40, it can squeeze the urethra, making it difficult to pass urine.

Symptoms To Watch Out For

Men with an enlarged prostate may experience these symptoms:

  • Poor urine stream;
  • Interrupted urine flow (intermittency);
  • Difficulty starting or stopping urination (hesitancy);
  • Sensation of some urine remaining behind in bladder;
  • Frequent urination;
  • Urgency of urination, with occasional leak of urine;
  • Person needs to wake up at night to pass urine;
  • Blood in the urine.

How Is The Diagnosis Made?

According to the urologist, a patient may usually need to undergo the following tests, to arrive at a diagnosis:

  • Physical exam: Where the urologist will insert a finger in the rectum (stools passage) and check the prostate.
  • Blood and urine tests: Such as creatinine measured, urine analysis done.
  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: To look for the possibility of prostate cancer.
  • Ultrasound

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Treatment

The doctor says that treatment may look like this:

  1. Medications: Alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
  2. Minimally-invasive surgery: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), Holmium Laser
  3. Enucleation of Prostate (HoLEP)
  4. Surgery: Prostatectomy
  5. Newer treatment options: Urolift, Rezum therapy -- done in a select subset of patients

Lifestyle changes

Making lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms. The expert recommends doing the following things:

  • Regular exercise
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Avoidance of caffeine and alcohol, especially at night
  • Practise stress-reducing techniques

When To Seek Medical Attention?

If you experience any of the following problems, seek medical attention immediately:

  • Any of the aforementioned symptoms;
  • Sudden inability to urinate;
  • Severe pain while urinating;
  • Blood in the urine or semen;
  • Recurring urinary tract infections;

In Conclusion

The doctor says that there is always a possibility of cancer of the prostate lurking in the background. If diagnosed early, prostate cancer can be cured. It is imperative to get checked so as to diagnose such a cancer in its early stages. "One should not hesitate to consult a urologist if he is experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life."