by Brad Morgan

Prostate enlargement is extremely common in men over fifty. In fact, it is the most common ailment among men this age.

The prostate is located just below the bladder. When it becomes enlarged, it puts pressure on the urinary tract. This can cause incontinence.

Men with an enlarged prostate may experience incontinence, frequent urination, weak stream, blood in the urine, and more. Many different methods can be used to treat this uncomfortable and irritating condition so proper functioning is restored.

Prostate enlargement comes with age. Over half of men over fifty deal with this problem, and that number climbs as you get older. You may or not be bothered by the symtpoms, but it is important to talk to your doctor in either case. You may not need surgery or even medication, but your doctor should be aware of your condition in order to monitor it.

Symptoms may flare up that require medications. Flomax is one such drug that can help reduce the size of the prostate and allow urine to flow normally.

The severity of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can fluctuate, and it is important to have regular check-ups.

Symptoms that require immediate attention include: urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, severe urinary retention, and bladder stones. If you let the minor symptoms slide, you may end up in more pain with these more serious problems. These also require more intensive methods of treatment than medication.

When the problem is allowed to go unchecked, simple medication may not be enough to relieve the symptoms and remedy the condition. Invasive procedures may then become necessary. Because they involve going through the urethra, they can be uncomfortable or painful.

These procedures destroy excess tissue or widen existing tissue to allow smoother passage of urine.

Two methods are widely used for destroying excess tissue through the urethra: electromagnetically-generated heat and microwave thermotherapy.

Photo-selective vaporization involves incisions in the bladder. These procedures alleviate discomfort and maximize performance. There is usually only a temporary period of sexual dysfunction afterwards.

The above procedures may still not be enough to alleviate an enlarged prostate, especially if the condition has escalated into prostate cancer.

Again, there are surgical options if this is the case. Transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, involves removal of portions of the prostate. In more severe cases, a radical prostatectomy may be performed. This involves the removal of the entire prostate.

TURP and prostate removal can severely impact sexual function and ejaculation. Further surgical procedures can be performed to fix any sexual dysfunction.

While prostate enlargement is very common, it doesn’t need to progress to the point where it negatively impacts your life. As you age, your chances of having prostate problems grows. Learn to recognize the symptoms, and have them checked out before they worsen.

Prudent doctor visits can help prevent surgery and can even stop cancer before it spreads. Men over 40 should consult their doctor’s and enquire about yearly prostate checkups.

About the Author:

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