Enlarged Prostate Causes

Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is very common in men over the age of sixty (around one in two have BPH). In males over the age to 85, it is estimated that more than 95% will experience BPH. So what are enlarged prostate causes? Is there any way to avoid it from occurring? Read on to find answers to these questions.

What Causes Enlarged Prostate?

The prostate is a gland that resides below the bladder. It is on the way that the tube transfers urine from the bladder to the penis, thus when the prostate enlarges, one's ability to pass urine easily may be hindered.

For most men, the prostate will continue to naturally grow throughout their lives, eventually causing urinary problems in the latter stages.

Exact enlarged prostate causes haven't yet been determined by scientists and medical professionals. That being said, there are certain risk factors that increase an individual's likelihood of experiencing an enlarged prostate. These include:

What Are Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate?

Along with understanding enlarged prostate causes, knowing the symptoms of the condition can also help in regards to the treatment and management. By spotting the symptoms, you can begin to take steps to combat the condition.

Common symptoms include:

When to See a Doctor

If you experience symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, blood within urine, and/or lower back pain, you should seek medical attention immediately. If your doctor is unavailable, then do not hesitate to visit the emergency department within the nearest hospital. You should also visit the closest health care professional possible if you are unable to urinate (acute urinary retention).

It is recommended that men over the age of fifty should undergo annual prostate checks regularly, even if no symptoms relating to prostate conditions are present.

How to Deal With Enlarged Prostate

Even if you are aware of enlarged prostate causes and make a conscious effort to avoid BPH from occurring, you may still be affected by it. Fortunately, most mild cases of enlarged prostate resolve themselves and no treatment is needed. That being said, if the condition worsens, treatment may be suggested.

1. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes, such as limiting the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume, avoiding antihistamine and decongestant medications, getting regular exercise, and limiting fluid intake, can help to treat enlarged prostate. One should also go to the bathroom whenever they have the urge to urinate (if possible), and try a method known as double voiding, in which you empty your bladder, wait for a moment, and then try to urinate again. One may also benefit from practicing stress management and relaxation techniques.

You can learn more natural ways to deal with enlarged prostate from the video below:

2. Medications

3. Less Invasive Procedures

If medication has had no effect on your condition, a medical procedure may be carried out to remove excess tissue from the prostate. This can be done via surgery, of by less invasive procedures such as:

These procedures can usually be carried out within less than an hour.

4. Surgery

If the treatment methods above have little effect on the condition, surgery may be required. The most common surgery administered for this purpose is called a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), wherein a small medical instrument is inserted into the urethra via the penis, to remove excess prostate tissue. 

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