You may think that the problems with urination caused by prostate enlargement simply belong to age. To some extent, this is true, but we live in the 21st century, and today’s elderly people should no longer be hampered by health problems that used to be commonplace in their lives after fifty. Read our article about the prostate and its health.
What is prostate?
The prostate, or prostate gland, is located in the pelvis, presses on the lower part of the bladder, and the urethra passes through its center. The prostate produces fluid, which is part of the ejaculate and, thanks to its composition, contributes to the viability of spermatozoa, thereby increasing the likelihood of fertilization. A healthy prostate is the size of a smaller chestnut, and most men don’t even know about its existence. However, only until the first difficulties associated with its increase appear – usually after 50 years. Then we start talking about a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, abbreviated BPH. This is a benign disease, but it can significantly reduce the quality of life.
The occurrence of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Prostate enlargement is not uncommon. In the age group from 50 to 60 years, doctors can demonstrate swelling of prostate tissue in the laboratory in almost every second man, and even in 8 out of 8 at the age of 80 years. About half of these men also subjectively experience difficulties.
How do you have problems with urination?
The gradual enlargement of the prostate is caused by two main factors: the presence of the male sex hormone testosterone, respectively. its metabolite is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and with age. In addition, diabetics, obese men and men with heart disease have a higher risk of prostate enlargement. Heredity also plays a role in the development of the problem, and probably also our “Western” lifestyle, characterized by eating habits with a high content of animal fats, excessive stress, lack of exercise and the like.
The enlarged prostate presses on the bladder and narrows until it closes the urethra. As a result, unpleasant difficulties with urination are known – increased urination during the day and night, a feeling of imperfect emptying of the bladder, difficult onset of urination, weak urination, intermittent urination, acute need for urination, etc. Patients themselves examine urination. which disrupts sleep and reduces mental and physical performance during the day. In addition to difficulty urinating, there may also be sexual difficulties associated with an enlarged prostate, that is, difficulties with an erection or a decrease in libido.
Modern treatment options for excess prostate
If you suspect that you have problems with the prostate, it is worth visiting a urologist who will conduct all the necessary examinations and rule out a serious illness. Although benign prostatic hyperplasia is a disease with unpleasant symptoms, it can be effectively relieved. If you have any difficulties, you can try an over-the-counter medication for urination problems caused by prostate enlargement containing extracts of Serenoa repens fruit. With prolonged use, it helps to alleviate problems with urination caused by prostate enlargement.
You can try dietary supplements with extracts of serenoa to maintain normal prostate function . They are often combined with extracts of dioecious nettle or with vitamins and minerals (selenium, zinc, vitamin B, D), useful for men’s health.
For more serious symptoms, doctors may prescribe drugs that reduce testosterone levels, or drugs that affect the muscle tension of the bladder and prostate. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove excess tissue, for example, using a laser.
An integral part of the prevention and treatment of prostate adenoma is a lifestyle change in accordance with the principles of a good lifestyle. Doctors recommend to reduce excess weight, adjust the diet, reduce alcohol consumption and smoking. It is also useful to include regular physical activity appropriate to your age and condition. For example, a daily half-hour walk may be enough. To prevent prostate adenomas, doctors also recommend regular sex life.
Do not underestimate urological prevention
In addition to the above measures, preventive urological examinations should become an integral part of men’s medical care – every man over 50 years old should have his own urologist, just as women have their own gynecologists. (If prostate cancer has arisen in the family, it is appropriate to start regular urological prevention after 45 years.)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a disease that is not life-threatening, but can worsen over time and become very annoying. So if you suspect that you have problems with the prostate, do not hesitate and start solving your problem. Unfortunately, most men still consider prostate disease a delicate problem, but when it comes to recovery, you need to forget about shame.
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