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Enlarged Prostate. Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Treatment of Enlarged Prostate

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The gland is made of two lobes, or regions, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue. As the diagrams show, the prostate is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body. For most men, these nightly bathroom runs may be the first sign of an enlarged prostate. Other symptoms may include trouble starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. And, like gray hair, an enlarged prostate is a natural by-product of getting older, doctors say. Trouble is, the nightly bathroom runs become more frequent -- eventually edging their way into the daytime routine.

Risk factors Although it is not known why only some men develop BPO, it is clear that advancing age is the main risk factor. You should visit your doctor promptly if you develop urinary problems because BPO is easier to treat if the treatment starts early.

BPH is so common that it has been said, "All men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough." A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40 and more than 90% of men over age 80.

The prostate gland, which is normally about the size and shape of a walnut, wraps around the urethra between the pubic bone and the rectum, below the bladder. In the early stage of prostate enlargement, the bladder muscle becomes thicker and forces urine through the narrowed urethra by contracting more powerfully

Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly found in men over the age of 50. Trouble passing urine or pain when passing urine A burning or stinging feeling when passing urine Strong, frequent urge to pass urine, even when there is only a small amount of urine

Enlarged Prostate Treatment Treatment for an enlarged prostate is determined by your signs and symptoms and their severity. If you have significant problems, such as urinary bleeding, persistent urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney damage, your doctor will probably recommend treatment. If your prostate is enlarged but your symptoms aren't too bothersome, treatment may not be necessary.

Medication treatment prostate enlargementThere are two types of medication that help to control the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, they are alpha blockers and finasteride Proscar, Propecia. Alpha blockers are effective in about 75% of men. They work by relaxing the muscles at the neck of the bladder making urination easier.

Avoid refined sugar and flour, dairy products, refined foods, fried foods, junk foods, hydrogenated oils, alcohol (particularly beer), and caffeine.

Finasteride is a drug that inhibits the action of the male hormone testosterone and helps to shrink the prostate. Side effects of finasteride include declining interest in sex, problems getting an erection, and problems with ejaculation. Because it is a new drug, doctors are not sure about its long-term effects.