Prostate gland enlargement is a condition that happens to many older men. This article will explain what prostate gland enlargement is, what causes it, symptoms of the condition and how it can be treated with indianpolis urologists.
What is prostate gland enlargement?
Prostate gland enlargement is a condition in which the prostate gland grows larger than normal. The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped organ located below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from your bladder out of your body. As men age, their prostate glands usually get larger.
Symptoms of prostate gland enlargement
- Difficulty urinating
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Feeling of incomplete emptying after urination
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Urgency to urinate
- Dribbling after urinating
Diagnosis and tests
- Physical exam. A urologist will do a physical exam to check for signs of prostate enlargement, such as difficulty starting urination or trouble emptying the bladder completely. The urologist also may look at your prostate gland by inserting a gloved finger in the rectum (rectal exam) and feeling it through the wall of the rectum.
- Blood tests. Blood tests can help diagnose prostate cancer and rule out other causes of symptoms that could indicate prostate enlargement.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This blood test measures levels of PSA in your blood; however, elevated PSA levels can be caused by conditions other than cancer, so they are not diagnostic on their own but often used along with other information as part of a diagnosis process.
How to treat prostate gland enlargement
The treatment of prostate gland enlargement depends on the severity of your symptoms and if you have other health issues, such as diabetes or heart disease.
For mild symptoms that don’t bother you, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as:
- Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Men who eat more fat and meat are more likely to develop prostate problems. Fiber from whole grains can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce risk for heart disease and diabetes.
- Exercising regularly: Exercise is an important part of keeping your overall health in good shape, but it also helps reduce stress, which can trigger flare ups in some people with prostate problems.
Some men may need medical treatments for their enlarged prostate if their symptoms get worse over time or if they have other health issues (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) that could be affected by an enlarged prostate gland.
Conclusion
Now that you know what your options are for treatment and diagnosis, it’s time to talk to your indianpolis urologists about getting checked out. Don’t wait until it gets worse!
