An enlarged prostate, also classified as prostatitis and benign prostatic enlargement, is the infection or the inflammation of the prostate gland. About 50 percent of men will experience an enlarged prostate at some time in their lives. There is a misconception that having experienced an enlarged prostate will increase your risk of other prostate diseases, but studies have not found this to be the case. Knowing the symptoms can help a man seek medical care as soon as possible to help treat the cause of the enlarged prostate gland.
Trouble Passing Urine
Men with an enlarged prostate often find it difficult to pass urine, meaning that it does not come out as easily despite the obvious urge to urinate. In addition, passing urine may be uncomfortable. These symptoms are due to the prostate gland possibly pinching off or narrowing the route that the urine must take from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Urge to Pass Urine
According to the Mayo Clinic, a common symptom of an enlarged prostate is a frequent urge to pass urine. This may occur when there is very little or no urine to pass. This is due to the pressure on the bladder from the prostate gland being enlarged.
Painful Ejaculation
Some men do not experience any other symptoms except painful ejaculations. This is often the first noticeable symptom. The pain may be felt with every ejaculation or just sporadically.
Sexual Dysfunction
Based on information provided by the National Institutes of Health, an enlarged gland often makes it difficult for a man to get or maintain an erection. Once the enlargement dissipates sexual function should return to normal.
Groin Pain
Many men experience pain in the groin, scrotum or lower abdominal region. This pain may or may not be worse when the area is manipulated. The pain is caused from the enlarged gland applying pressure to other tissues.
Rectal Pain or Pressure
According to the National Institutes of Health, rectal pain or pressure is not uncommon in men suffering from an enlarged prostate gland. The pain and pressure are caused from the gland pushing on the rectal tissues. The pain in the rectum is often described as throbbing with no obvious cause. During a bowel movement men may also experience discharge through the urethra.
