Enlarged Prostate/Benign prostatic enlargement

What is the Prostate?

The Prostate is a walnut-shaped gland present in the male reproductive system and it responsible for the production of seminal fluid. The prostate surrounds the urethra.

Symptoms of benign prostatic enlargement

Typical signs of BPE are in the following:

• Inability to empty the bladder fully
• A dribbling feeling after urinating
• Urgent and frequent need tourinate
• Urinating more at night
• Difficulty urinating
• Blood in urine
• Urinary tract infection

Risk factors

Some main risk factors for enlarged prostate are:

• Aging- Those who are above 50 are at a higher risk of BPE
• Lifestyle- Those who are obeseare at a higher risk of BPE.

Diagnosis

If any of the symptoms discussed above has appeared, your doctor will carry out a rectal examination to check the condition of the prostate. More tests may be needed to rule out prostate cancer.

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Treatments

For mildly enlarged prostate, your doctor may advise Lifestyle changes such as:

• Exercising more often
• Avoiding alcohol
• Avoiding caffeine
• Crating a urination regime

For more advanced cases, medications or surgery may be required. These operations usually include:

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)- This is the most common surgical procedure which consists of removal of a part of prostate gland with the help of an endoscope.
• **Laser Surgery-**The doctor makes use of this method for removal of some or all of the prostate using a laser.
• **Prostatectomy-**The part of the prostate obstructing urethra is removed to ensure proper function. This is carried out via an incision in the abdomen.

Side Effects of treatments

Surgery- Surgery also leads to multiple side effects only for a few weeks:

• Trouble urinating
• Urinary incontinence
• Blood clots and bleeding in urine
• Scar tissue
• Infection
• Sexual dysfunction

 If prostate enlargement is let untreated-

If no intervention takes place, Prostate enlargement can lead to:

• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infections
• Incontinence
• Bladder damage

When to visit a doctor

Visit a doctor if any of the symptoms discussed above present themselves. A doctor will then refer you to a Urologist.