Enlarged Prostate Gland: How Prostate Enlargement Affects Most Men
During a man’s forties, it is quite possible that he will begin feeling the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland. Prostate enlargement mainly affects a man’s ability to urinate. The prostate gland is located underneath the bladder and surrounds the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Once prostate enlargement occurs, it will put pressure on a man’s urinary tract and result in urinary problems.
It is not completely understood what causes enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. It is believed that men experience a time of prostate enlargement and increased cell growth in their forties, perhaps due to hormonal changes. An enlarged prostate gland is not related to getting prostate cancer. Prostate enlargement does not always result in symptoms, but if a man does suffer from enlarged prostate, he will likely feel some or all of the following symptoms:
- Urgent and frequent need to urinate
- Trouble beginning urination
- Weak stream
- Interrupted stream
- Inability to empty the bladder
About half of all men in their sixties will experience at least a few enlarged prostate symptoms. While a certain percentage of men’s enlarged prostate symptoms are mild and do not require treatment, all men should be aware that difficult urination could be a sign of something other than an enlarged prostate such as a urinary tract infection, diabetes, or even cancer.
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