Prostate Enlargement
and How it Can Affect You
The prostate gland is a male organ that produces
semen which carries sperm during ejaculation. It is located beneath
the bladder and surrounded by the tube that drains urine into your
bladder, known as the urethra. When you suffer from prostate enlargement,
this organ expands and places pressure on your urethra, blocking
the tube, and in turn making it difficult for you to urinate.
Prostate
enlargement typically occurs in males in their mid to late 40s since
most men this age experience prostate growth. Cells in the central
portion of their bodies begin to produce quicker, resulting in prostate
enlargement, a condition also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia
or BPH. Men suffering from prostate enlargement will experience
the following signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty starting urination
- A constant stop and go of urine stream
- A constant need to urinate
- Frequent urges to urinate at night
- Blood in the urine
The
symptoms of prostate enlargement can range from mild to severe.
Only half the men who have this condition will actually notice any
of these symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms,
consult your physician for a diagnosis.
It is possible to lessen the severity of your symptoms by not drinking
anything an hour or two before going to bed; decreasing the amount
of caffeine and alcohol you consume since it can increase your urine
production and worsen your condition; limiting the amount of decongestants
you consume since these drugs tighten the band of muscles around
your urethra, making it even more difficult for you to urinate;
urinating as soon as you feel the urge to go; exercise; and lastly
keep warm since cold temperatures increase your urge to urinate.
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