What are the symptoms of prostate enlargement and how to cure it?

An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common problem in elderly men. This is a condition that involves the enlargement of the prostate gland, which is located under the urinary bladder. In this article, we will discuss when an enlarged prostate occurs, what its symptoms are, what tests can be done to diagnose it, what treatments are available, and some other important information about it.

When does prostate enlargement occur?

Prostate enlargement is a natural process that usually occurs in men after the age of 40. As the body ages, the prostate gland may gradually increase in volume. In many cases, this is related to hormonal changes taking place in the male body, specifically to an increase in the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

What are the symptoms of prostate enlargement?

The symptoms of prostate enlargement can be varied and worsen gradually. Here are some of the most common symptoms that may indicate this problem:

• Problems with urination such as urinary frequency, difficulty starting micturition, weak urine stream.
• Painful or unpleasant sensations when urinating.
• Getting up to go to the toilet at night to urinate (nocturia).
• Feeling that the bladder is not fully empty after micturition.
• Urinary control problems, such as urinary incontinence.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is worth consulting your doctor to rule out an enlarged prostate or other health problems.

Does an enlarged prostate always cause unpleasant symptoms?

Not always. There are cases where an enlarged prostate may be present but does not cause visible symptoms. In such situations, the condition may only be discovered during routine medical tests, such as a digital rectal examination or a PSA (prostate specific antigen) level in the blood.

Prostate enlargement tests

Diagnosing prostate enlargement is crucial for making the correct diagnosis and selecting the appropriate treatment. Here are some of the tests that may be performed:

• Per rectal examination (PR) – the doctor inserts a finger into the patient’s anus to assess the size and consistency of the prostate gland.
• PSA level test – measuring the PSA level in the blood can help exclude or confirm prostate enlargement.
• Urine test – to rule out urinary tract infections or other problems.
• Abdominal ultrasound – allows you to assess the size of the prostate gland and the degree of its enlargement.

Treatment of prostate enlargement

The treatment of prostate enlargement may be varied and depends on the stage of the disease and the symptoms experienced by the patient. Here are some of the treatment options available:

• Drug treatment – Using medications such as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors or alpha-adrenergic drugs may help reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
• Hormone therapy – the use of hormones may be used in more advanced cases of prostate enlargement.
• Medical procedures – There are various procedures such as TURP (trans-urethral resection of the prostate) or prostate artery embolization that can be used to treat an enlarged prostate.
• Prostate milking – One experimental approach is a method called “milking” the prostate, which involves mechanically emptying the prostate gland to reduce symptoms.

What is prostate “milking”?

Prostate “milking” is an experimental method of treating prostate enlargement, which involves mechanical emptying of the prostate gland. This idea is based on the theory that regularly emptying the gland can reduce its volume and improve symptoms. However, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence confirming the effectiveness of this method, which is why it is not widely used in medical practice.

Your suggestions

If you are experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate or have concerns about your health, it is always worth consulting your doctor. Regular preventive examinations and a healthy lifestyle, such as physical activity and a healthy diet, can help reduce the risk of prostate enlargement.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about prostate enlargement, its symptoms and treatment, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Symptoms of an enlarged prostate: What is worth knowing” – an informative article on this topic.
• “Treatment of Enlarged Prostate: What Options Are Available” – an overview of different therapeutic methods.
• “Healthy prostate: How to take care of your male health” – tips on prevention and a healthy lifestyle.

Remember that an enlarged prostate is a condition that can be effectively treated and managed under the care of a doctor, so do not hesitate to seek medical help if you have any concerns.