All About Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
Enlarged prostate symptoms may be experienced as the prostate gland begins to enlarge and it begins to compress around the urethra. This may make it difficult for an individual male to urinate normally. The male may have a difficult time starting to urinate or he may not be able to empty his bladder fully when he does use the restroom. Most men will also report that they feel like they need to urinate frequently. This symptom seems to happen a lot at night. Blood may also be found within a man’s urine.
Because the prostate enlargement is effecting the urethra they have an increased chance of developing bladder stones. These may also develop because the man is not able to urinate at all. Stones may develop when the bladder is continually full. The minerals and acids that remain in the bladder may actually crystallize and cause bladder stones. These stones can create even more complications for a man if they are not removed from the body.
Enlarged prostate causes are not exactly known. However, many experts feel that as men age they produce more testosterone. It is believe that this may contribute to the enlarged prostate. This may also be caused from illnesses such as cancer. Therefore, it is very important for males to have their prostates checked regularly as they age in order to ensure that they are healthy.
The type of treatment that is received is generally determined by the types of symptoms that are being experienced. For example, if the male is suffering from bleeding, constant urinary tract infections or kidney damage then his doctor will most likely order treatment. But, if the symptoms are not that bothersome then treatment may not be recommended.
Enlarged prostate treatment most often includes medication. Alpha blockers may be prescribed as they are used to help decrease the pressure around the bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. This may also help the male to empty his bladder fully and decrease the likelihood of bladder stones. Enzyme inhibitors can also be prescribed because they can help decrease the size of the prostate. These medications are usually effective but men should realize that these types of medications may take longer to be effective than alpha blockers. Some doctors may even recommend a combination of both in order for the man to get the best results.
Microwave therapy is another enlarged prostate treatment used by some doctors as a way to destroy the inner portion of the prostate. But, if the prostate is abnormally large this treatment may not be very effective. A prosthetic stent may be inserted into the urethra to help keep it open wide. This can make it easier to urinate as well. Both of these treatment options may be tried before surgery is considered. Surgery is often the last resort unless the prostates is severely enlarged. An example of when surgery may be used would include kidney damage that has developed from urine retention. This is one of the more serious enlarged prostate symptoms.