December 9, 2024
Common in men over the age of 50, an enlarged prostate, can quickly become disruptive. Often, men find that they are making frequent trips to the bathroom, interrupting sleep and daytime activities.
An enlarged prostate is a common part of getting older. In fact, studies by the American Urological Association (AUA) show that over half of all men over the age of 60 have prostate enlargement. In men over the age of 85, this number climbs to 90 percent.
Still, it’s important to be aware of the signs of an enlarged prostate so that you can do what’s best for your health and well-being, minimising disruptions to your daily life. Here are the enlarged prostate symptoms you should look out for:
Let's look at each of these in more detail.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
A weak or slow urinary stream
One of the most common enlarged prostate symptoms is a weak or slow urinary stream. The prostate gland is located close to the bladder, and when enlarged, it can place pressure on the bladder and urethra, making it difficult for urine to pass.
This can lead to a slowness to urinate or a weak urinary stream, as urine must bypass the enlarged prostate in order for the bladder to empty. Some men may find it difficult to begin urinating or may feel that they need to strain to urinate.
In severe cases, prostate enlargement can cause urinary retention or a complete inability to urinate. This is a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment by a doctor.
Incomplete bladder emptying
Another common enlarged prostate symptom is incomplete bladder emptying. Due to the pressure an enlarged prostate places on the bladder and urethra, urine may be unable to pass, preventing the bladder from emptying completely.
Incomplete bladder emptying can be uncomfortable, as you may feel a continued need to urinate even after using the bathroom. This often leads to frequent bathroom trips.
When the bladder does not empty completely, health problems can arise or develop over time, so if you think that prostate enlargement may be preventing you from emptying your bladder, it’s important to seek medical care.
Frequent or urgent urination
Many men with prostate enlargement experience a frequent or urgent need to urinate. Often, this is one of the most disruptive enlarged prostate symptoms.
Frequent urination may mean that you need to get up several times throughout the night to urinate. Over time, excessive urination at night can worsen, and you may also experience urinary urgency during the day.
When urinating frequently, men can sometimes feel anxious about their urinary urgency, worrying about the availability of bathroom facilities. Frequent urination can be a sign of troublesome prostate enlargement, so if this is something you often experience, it’s a good idea to discuss the symptom with a medical professional.
Incontinence
The loss of bladder control is an embarrassing problem, and can be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. The severity can range from small leaks when you cough or sneeze, or a strong and sudden urge to urinate that may not always wait until you can find a bathroom.
The Effects of an Enlarged Prostate
Prostate enlargement is usually benign and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer or other medical conditions. However, the symptoms of prostate enlargement can be detrimental to your health if not monitored and treated correctly.
Over time, problems with bladder emptying and urinary retention can lead to the development of incontinence, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections. In rare cases, bladder or kidney damage can occur.
To prevent ill health resulting from prostate enlargement, monitor your symptoms and seek a doctor’s guidance to minimise risks.
What Can You Do?
If you have mild symptoms of prostate enlargement, you may not need immediate treatment. Instead, you’ll be able to monitor your symptoms and undergo regular prostate health check-ups to ensure that the condition is not negatively affecting kidney and bladder health.
➡️ Free Health Tool: Check The Severity of Your Prostate Symptoms
There are lifestyle changes you can make to minimise the effects of an enlarged prostate. Generally, it’s a good idea to reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption and limit use of artificial sweeteners. It’s best to maintain regular exercise and, to counteract night-time urinary frequency, consume less fluids in the evenings.
If your enlarged prostate symptoms are moderate to severe, your doctor may recommend medication or, depending on your diagnosis, surgery.
A medical professional can help you understand your treatment needs and options to prevent complications and promote good prostate health.
