Growing Older with a Enlarging Prostate
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.
Men with an enlarged prostate may experience incontinence, frequent urination, weak stream, blood in the urine, and more. Many different methods can be used to treat this uncomfortable and irritating condition so proper functioning is restored.
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.
For those whose symptoms are particularly severe, there are medications available that can help reduce the enlargement. Flomax, for example, helps reduce the size of the prostate so urine can flow normally.
While many men are not bothered by symptoms, others may find them difficult to deal with. It may even fluctuate within the same person. For this reason, it is important that you inform your doctor of the problem and symptoms you are experiencing.
Even mild symptoms should be checked with an exam. This can keep them from developing into more severe problems, such as urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, bladder stones, or acute urinary retention. These require immediate medical attention.
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.
These procedures destroy excess tissue or widen existing tissue to allow smoother passage of urine.
Electromagnetically-generated heat, microwave thermotherapy or photo-selective vaporization of the prostate are all performed through the urethra and destroy a select amount of tissue.
Another method, called photo-selective vaporization, is used to reduce urinary discomfort. Incisions are made in the bladder. This procedure affects the ability to have sex, but only for a short period after the surgery.
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.
Again, there are surgical options if this is the case. Transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, involves removal of portions of the prostate. In more severe cases, a radical prostatectomy may be performed. This involves the removal of the entire prostate.
TURP and prostate removal can severely impact sexual function and ejaculation. Further surgical procedures can be performed to fix any sexual dysfunction.
You can prevent serious prostate problems and health effects if you are aware of symptoms and take necessary precautions. It is likely that, as a man over fifty, you will suffer from some type of prostate problem. Take action before symptoms become worse.
Every man over forty should have yearly prostate exams. You may be resistant to the idea of prostate exams, but they can help you avoid more serious problems and even cancer.