If the frequency of your nightly visits to the washroom has multiplied in number, you may have an enlarged prostate. Apart from this, there are many other signs which signal towards a troubled prostate gland.
What is Prostate Enlargement?
Prostate gland enlargement is a condition which mainly occurs in older men when their walnut sized prostate increases in size. If an enlarged prostate is not treated well in time it can have adverse effects on the urinary tract and the kidneys. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic hypertrophy, prostate gland enlargement can severely affect the urinary system of your body.
Symptoms
Your body starts sending you signals when there is an enlargement in the prostate. There can be many such signs which you need to understand in order to take timely precautionary measures. Some of the symptoms which will help you detect BPH include:
Very Little Flow of Urine
An enlarged prostate presses against the urethra which carries the urine. This makes it difficult to urinate and causes strain while urinating. This leads to retention of urine in the bladder and causes pain.
Irregular Flow of Urine
The enlarged prostate which presses the urethra makes it difficult for the urine to flow freely. Even after the urine starts the flow can be irregular.
Feeling the Need to Urinate More Frequently
When your visits to the washroom become more frequent you must consider a check up. This is the most common of all symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland.
Sudden need to urinate leading to incontinence
The nerves inside your bladder may not function properly and send a signal to the brain. This leads to an urgent need to urinate.
Unable to Empty the Bladder Completely
The time taken to urinate and empty your bladder may increase considerably. Even after sending a lot of time urinating, you may still feel that your bladder is still filled with urine.
Damage to kidneys
A strained or irregular flow of urine may cause damage to the kidneys. Kidney problems like stone are more likely to occur in men who suffer from enlarged prostate.
Risk Factors
Old Age
Men aged less 40 are at a very minimal risk of prostate enlargement. While at 55, the chances increase slightly and by 75 almost all men become vulnerable to the condition.
Heriditary
If the condition prevails in your family and if your blood relatives are suffering through an enlarged prostate, you too are at a risk of encountering the problem.
Demographic
The area from which you hail decides your chances of suffering from prostate enlargement. Men from America and Australia are more vulnerable while Indian and Japanese men are less likely to face the trouble.
These symptoms often indicate an enlarged prostate. However, it is always advisable to see a doctor and receive treatment in time to avoid any severe condition.
Read more on Prostate Cancer.
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