top of page

What Causes Prostate Enlargement and How to Manage It?


What Causes Prostate Enlargement and How to Manage It?,  Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Credit: lymemexico.com

Enlarged prostate, or Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a health issue among men. BPH becomes a common issue with age. What is prostate? The prostate is a small gland found just below the bladder that helps make semen. And it often grows as you grow older. Then where is the problem? The problem is that an enlarged prostate can be bothersome by blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. Also, it can cause bladder, urinary tract, or kidney problems.


Enlarged prostates are a common problem among men. There are treatments to help with BPH. Through medicines, lifestyle changes, and surgery, prostate problems can be resolved. In an advanced case, it is always better to seek guidance from health experts to choose the best treatment. However, we always say prevention is better than cure, and in nature, cure is the best way to be healthy. Certain criteria can be considered to choose the right treatment for an enlarged prostate:


  • Exact symptoms as they differ from person to person

  • The size of the prostate can be checked by ultrasound.

  • Also, consider if there are any other healthy complications or complaints.


Enlarged Prostate Symptoms


The symptoms of enlarged prostate or BPH are usually seen after age 45.

The most common symptoms of BPH include:

  • Frequent or urgent need for urination.

  • Urination more often at night.

  • Trouble starting to urinate.

  • Difficulty in maintaining urine stream.

  • Dribbling at the end of urination.

  • Not being able to fully empty the bladder.


The symptoms of BPH either stay the same, become worse or even improve over time. The symptoms of BPH are the same in other conditions, such as prostate or bladder cancer, kidney stones, and overactive bladder. Overactive bladder causes a strong, frequent, uncomfortable need to urinate immediately. Treatment for BPH lowers the risk of these complications. But urinary retention and kidney damage can be serious health threats.

The size of the prostate does not always indicate the severity of the symptoms. Some people with slightly enlarged prostates may experience severe symptoms. Others with extremely enlarged prostates may experience minor complications. Some men with enlarged prostates have no symptoms at all. Hence it is always better to have a thorough examination and take necessary steps accordingly.


The main concern of an enlarged prostate is urinary retention, the person finds difficulty in emptying the bladder.


Cause of Enlarged prostate


The risk factors for an enlarged prostate include:


Aging. In rare cases, BPH may happen before age 40. But often the chances are high after age 45, and with increasing age, the chance of having an enlarged prostate and related symptoms starts to rise.


Family history. If a close relative or parent has or has had prostate problems, it makes you more likely to have problems with your prostate.


Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. These problems have become common these days. Studies show that diabetes and heart disease might raise the risk of BPH. Exercise regularly can help in various ways, even with the prostate.


The prostate gland is beneath the bladder. The urethra is the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the male genital. This tube runs through the prostate's centre. When the prostate grows in size, it begins to obstruct urine flow.


The prostate gland is a gland that grows throughout life. This growth frequently enlarges the prostate to the point of causing symptoms or obstructing urine flow. Though the causes of prostate enlargement are unknown, it may be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as you age.


Enlarged Prostate Treatment


In the initial stage with lifestyle changes and food that supports prostate health can reduce the risk of getting an enlarged prostate. If there is an enlarged prostate, observe your symptoms and size of it to go for the right treatment. Treatments such as medicines and in later stage surgery for BPH can help to reduce urinary symptoms.


Men with mild BPH might not need heavy medication or surgery. Better to wait and watch while opting a healthy lifestyle and food habits.


Lifestyle changes


Behavioural changes and therapies may be beneficial, especially when used in conjunction with medication. Avoiding fluids before bedtime or before going out, as well as reducing consumption of mild diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol, are examples of lifestyle changes. Pelvic floor muscle training, including biofeedback, may be especially beneficial for patients experiencing urgency symptoms.


Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health care. There are herbs and ingredients to strengthen the intestinal wall, the muscles, promote prostate and bladder health such as Prostowin, one of the best selling herbal medication for BPH management.


There are certain medications that can worsen the prostate condition such as antihistamines and decongestants. If having to use the toilet frequently bothers you, you should make some changes.


1. Stop drinking fluids a few hours before going to bed or going out.

2. Avoid or drink less fluids that can cause you to pee more frequently, such as caffeine and alcohol.

3. Void twice. This means that after emptying your bladder, you wait a few moments before going again. To empty, do not strain or push.


Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common health problem among men between 45 to 50 years old and current research doesn’t show a clear way to prevent it. However, with care and nourishment you can always avoid the critical symptoms of it. If the symptoms are painful, you must see a doctor for seeking advice.




Comments


bottom of page