Enlarged Prostate
The prostate is the male reproductive gland that surrounds the urethra and produces the fluid that carries sperm. When this gland grows larger than it is supposed to be, a man is said to have an enlarged prostate, something that happens to most mean as they age. The cause of an enlarged prostate is unknown, however, most men eventually develop some type of symptom.
Symptoms
- Dripping after urination
- Trouble urinating
- Unable to completely empty the bladder
- Constantly feeling the need to urinate
- Painful urination
- Slowed urinary stream
- Weak urine stream
- Straining to urinate
Once proper diagnostic testing determines the extent of the prostate problem, a treatment plan will be formulated based on the severity of your symptoms while considering any other complicating factors.
Treatment
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid caffeine
- Do not drink anything two hours before you go to bed
- When you feel the urge to urinate, go immediately
- Reduce your exposure to stress
- Medications such as alpha-blockers and antibiotics
- Surgical intervention (the invasiveness and recovery times associated with the procedures vary)
Yearly exam will most likely be recommended in order to monitor your symptoms and treatment.