An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in men as they age. It occurs when the prostate gland, which is responsible for producing fluid for semen, grows in size and can cause urinary symptoms. This can include a weak urine stream, frequent urges to urinate, and difficulty starting and stopping urination. In some cases, the symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with daily life and cause discomfort or embarrassment.
Know Why A Male Prostate Exam Is Important
Once your doctor has confirmed the results of an enlarged prostate, it’s important to find the right treatment to effectively manage the condition. The doctor will look into all options, including medication, alternative treatments, or even surgery if the condition is critical. They will also weigh the possible disadvantages and health effects of each treatment option to determine the best course of action.
In some cases, if the enlargement is slight, exercise, nutrition supplements, and hydrotherapy may be sufficient to solve the problem without the need for medication or other complicated treatments. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and understand the various types of treatments available. In some cases, the doctor may ask the patient to wait and monitor the condition through annual exams and blood tests. The blood tests will be carefully examined to check the prostate health, its size, the PSA levels, and other elements related to the condition.
If you are put on medication therapy, the drugs will slow down the production of dihydrotestosterones (DHT), the hormone that aids in the growth of the prostate gland. However, it’s important to be patient while on medication as certain drugs may take time to show good results. Your doctor will monitor the dosage of the prescribed medications based on your feedback and regular check-ups.
It’s important to be aware that medications can cause some health issues, such as impotence, low libido, sore breasts, and a lower sperm count. The doctor may also prescribe alpha blockers as part of the medication therapy. Alpha blockers ease the muscle tissues of the bladder and prostate to improve urinary flow. Some of the most common side effects caused by alpha blockers include headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, exhaustion, faintness, and difficulty breathing. It’s important to keep your doctor informed of all symptoms and developments to help regulate the dosage of the drugs prescribed.
Prostatic stent is another option for those who cannot take medication or surgery as a treatment. A minute spring-like device is placed into the urethra to push the urethra wall and increase urinary flow. The surgical procedure is simple and typically takes only 15 minutes or so, with the patient only given local anesthesia to avoid pain. However, in some cases, the prostate stent can cause continuous pain and frequent urination. Sadly, about 1 in every 3 patients who have undergone prostate stent surgery end up having it removed, which is more difficult and painful than the initial procedure.
It is important to understand the pros and cons of each treatment option before making a decision. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and available treatments, and keep them informed of your health status to help find the right treatment plan for you. It’s also important to be patient while on medication, as it may take time to show good results. Remember, early detection and proper treatment can help manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and improve quality of life.
