5 Things You Need to Know About Enlarged Prostate Treatment

1. Enlarged Prostate Treatment Depends on the Man

Situated between the pubic bone and rectum in men, the prostate gland also wraps itself around the urethra, a tube that carries urine out of the body through the penis. The prostrate in middle-aged men may begin to enlarge, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Reportedly, an enlarged prostate could be the most common health condition in men over 60. Ultimately, each man must determine which enlarged prostate treatment he wants to pursue.

2. So, You're Having Problems Urinating

Problems associated with urination are the most common symptoms of an enlarged prostrate. A man with an enlarged prostate may experience a weak stream when starting or stopping, trouble starting, dribbling after, leaking, frequent urination or sudden urges, a feeling that the bladder is not empty, and/or blood in the urine. The symptoms are due to pressure on the urethra or the inability to void the bladder due to the enlarged prostate. Two problems that are rare, but possible, are repeated urinary tract infections that can lead to kidney or bladder damage and/or not being able to urinate. The latter is a medical emergency and you should seek immediate help. Some men have no symptoms of BPH.

3. The Prostate Exam is Brief

Your doctor needs to feel the prostate for size and condition. That requires a digital rectal exam, which is brief, albeit humbling. The doctor may want to check your urine for blood that might indicate infection, as well as perform a screening for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This will aid him in ruling out prostate cancer. You or your doctor may elect for you to see a urologist, who specializes in urinary tract diseases.

4. Watchful Waiting, Drug Therapies and Surgery

If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may suggest that you do nothing. This "watchful waiting" will include periodic prostate exams. In the meantime, you can help prevent a worsening of the enlargement by urinating as soon as you feel the need and completely emptying your bladder. If your symptoms are moderate, your doctor may prescribe medications. Drugs, such as Flomax and Avodart, may relieve symptoms by either shrinking the prostrate or relaxing the prostrate muscles. For severe symptoms, surgery may be the answer.

5. Enlarged Prostrate Does Not Necessarily Mean Cancer

Rule out cancer. That is the first step if you are experiencing problems related to your prostate. A predisposition to prostate cancer for men with a relative who has had it is an important consideration. Tell your doctor if this is case so that he can watch you more closely. The outlook for men with an enlarged prostrate really depends on the individual. Some men improve, some get worse and some remain the same. Serious problems to the bladder occur in about one in 10 men.