More and more men are becoming aware of prostate problems and consequently concerned about the possibility of prostate cancer. One of the most common prostate problems for men over age 40 is an Enlarged Prostate.
It is possible for a man to have an enlarged prostate without any symptoms. It is also possible for a man to have symptoms that suggest an enlarged prostate without any enlargement. A man may not know he has a prostate problem until he stops urinating completely.
This brings us to the most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate which involve changes in urination habits and are not too dissimilar to Prostate Cancer Symptoms.
These symptoms include:
- Having an urgency to urinate or leaking and dribbling
- More frequent urination during the night
- A weakened stream of urine, or interrupted stream
The majority are the result of an obstruction of the urethra and the loss of bladder function.
They can also occur when an over-the-counter decongestant drug has been taken. A side effect of sympathomimetic, the drug used in decongestants may prevent the bladder from relaxing and opening thereby allowing the urine to flow out through the penis. The retention of urine can also be caused by alcohol, cold temperatures and long periods of inactivity.
If symptoms of an enlarged prostate are ignored, the consequences can be the development of more serious medical conditions. Damage to the kidneys and bladder damage as well as urinary tract infections can result from the strain on the bladder and the retention of urine. An enlarged prostate may result in losing control of urination, bladder or kidney stones and may resist subsequent treatment if not diagnosed early.
Diagnosis of an Enlarged Prostate
Diagnosis of an enlarged prostate can be carried out by a routine check-up with your doctor involving different procedures:
- a rectal exam – your doctor can feel the part of the prostate that is positioned next to the rectum.
- a blood test - this will indicate if there is a high level of PSA, a protein made by the prostate gland. A high level of PSA may suggest prostate cancer.
- a rectal ultrasound - sound waves are produced from a probe inserted in the rectum and the prostate gland displayed on a screen. A needle biopsy can be carried out during the ultrasound. The samples picked-up by the can then be examined by the doctor under a microscope.
These tests may reveal the presence of prostate cancer. Most commonly, the PSA, or prostate specific antigen test is used to detect the disease. If prostate cancer is suspected, a biopsy test will often be administered. Other tests such as X-rays and bone scans may also be used to determine the extent to which the disease has spread and whether Prostate Cancer Treatment is necessary.
Note: The information contained in this post is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your doctor or health care specialist before taking any medical advice or if you are in any way concerned about your physical wellbeing.