Symptoms, risks, and treatments of Enlarged Prostates
Find out more about steps you can take for an enlarged prostate

Prostate enlargement eventually happens to all men as they get older. As the prostate gland grows, it can press on the urethra and cause urination and bladder problems. The prostate is a male reproductive gland that produces the fluid in sperm. Another name for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy. The condition is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer. Although the actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, experts believe that factors linked to aging and the testicles themselves may play a role in the enlargement of the gland. It is a known fact that men who have had their testicles removed at a young age do not develop BPH. Conversely, if the testicles are removed after a man develops BPH, the prostate correspondingly shrinks in size.

The likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate will increase over time, and accordingly, a small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40 while it is present in more than 90% of men over age 80.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate

Some of the symptoms of BPH include a slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream, weak urine stream, straining to urinate, strong and sudden urge to urinate, incomplete emptying of your bladder, dribbling after urinating, pain with urination or bloody urine (these may indicate infection), urinating repeatedly during the night, urinary retention (complete inability to urinate), and incontinence. Keep in mind that half of all men who have enlarged prostates don’t experience any symptoms at all. 

Treatment   

The severity of your symptoms, the extent to which they affect your daily life, and the presence of any other medical conditions will determine your treatment. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. You are more likely to have symptoms if you are over 60. However, many men with an enlarged prostate have only minor symptoms, and steps taken at home are often enough to make you feel better.
You should have a yearly exam to monitor your symptoms if you have BPH.

Steps you can take at home

For mild symptoms, you can take some easy steps to minimize your symptoms. For example, urinate when you first get the urge. Also, go to the bathroom when you have the chance, even if you don't feel a need to urinate. Remember to avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially after dinner. Also, don't drink a lot of fluid all at once. Spread out fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinking fluids within 2 hours of bedtime. Keep in mind that antihistamine medications can exacerbate symptoms associated with enlarged prostates.