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Treating An Enlarged Prostate

If you are a man who makes frequent trips to the restroom, or have a hard time urinating, you may be displaying signs of an enlarged prostate. Know that you are not alone, as the Urology Foundation reports that 50 percent of men in their 50s have an enlarged prostate, that means more than 37 million men in the United States are affected by an enlarged prostate.

The prostate is a walnut shaped gland, located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. The gland wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen from the bladder to the outside of the body. The prostate is important, as its fluid mixed with semen is important for a man’s ability to fertilize a woman’s egg, and father a child. As men age, the prostate grows larger. However, if your prostate becomes too large, it can cause several health issues.

As a man, having prostate problems can severely impact their lifestyle and love life. Men who suffer from enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), feel the need to urinate frequently as the urethra could become blocked. Prostate problems can also cause lack of sleep, fatigue, and a reduced quality of life.

What are the Symptoms of Prostate Problems?

  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Need to get up many times during the night to urinate
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Pain or burning urination
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal area, or upper thighs

See your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Treatment for An Enlarged Prostate

Avoiding the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can cause further complications later on. Untreated BPH can cause urinary tract infections, incontinence, urinary retention (not being able to pee), and kidney stones. Treatment options for an enlarged prostate include medications and surgery. After your consultation, your urologist can make a diagnosis and give you treatment options, based on these factors:

  • How your symptoms interfere with your everyday life
  • The size of your prostate
  • Age
  • Overall health
  • Other medical conditions

To learn more about how to treat your enlarged prostate call Charlotte Men’s Health at (704) 786-5131 to request an appointment, or request one online.

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