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The enlarged prostate is a very common problem in men over 50 years of age, and can generate symptoms such as weak urine stream, constant feeling of full bladder and difficulty urinating, for example.
In most cases, the enlarged prostate is caused by prostate hyperplasia, a benign condition that causes only an enlarged prostate, however it can also be a sign of more serious problems, such as cancer.
Thus, whenever there is a suspicion of enlarged prostate, it is advisable to consult a urologist to do the necessary tests to find out the cause, start the most appropriate treatment and end the discomfort. Check out the 6 tests that help assess prostate health.
How to identify symptoms
The symptoms of an enlarged prostate are similar to those of any other prostate problem, including difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, frequent urge to go to the bathroom, and a bladder sensation that is always full.
To find out what your risk of having a prostate problem is, select what you're feeling:
- 1. Difficulty starting to urinate No Yes
- 2. Very weak stream of urine No Yes
- 3. Frequent desire to urinate, even at night No Yes
- 4. Feeling full bladder, even after urinating No Yes
- 5. Presence of urine drops in the underwear No Yes
- 6. Impotence or difficulty maintaining an erection No Yes
- 7. Pain when ejaculating or urinating No Yes
- 8. Presence of blood in the semen No Yes
- 9. Sudden urge to urinate No Yes
- 10. Pain in the testicles or near the anus No Yes
These symptoms usually appear after the age of 50 and happen in almost all cases of an enlarged prostate, because inflammation of the prostate presses on the urethra, which is the channel through which urine passes, making it difficult to pass.
Since the symptoms can also indicate other prostate problems, such as prostatitis, for example, it is very important to consult the urologist for tests, such as ultrasound or PSA, to confirm the diagnosis.
How to confirm the diagnosis
In consultation with the urologist, the complaints presented will be evaluated and the digital rectal examination will be performed. Digital rectal examination allows the doctor to assess whether there is an enlarged prostate and whether there are nodules or other changes caused by cancer. Understand how digital rectal examination is done.
In addition, the doctor may also order a PSA test, which is usually above 4.0 ng / ml in cases of prostate hyperplasia.
If the doctor identifies abnormal changes during digital rectal examination or if the PSA value is above 10.0 ng / ml, he may order a prostate biopsy to assess the possibility that the increase is being caused by cancer.
Watch the following video and check the tests that can be performed to diagnose prostate problems:
Main causes of enlarged prostate
Most of the situations in which the prostate gland is enlarged are cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which appears with aging and shows symptoms of slow progression, and treatment usually starts only when it presents many symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
However, the enlarged prostate can also be caused by more serious diseases that need to be treated, such as prostatitis or cancer, for example. Prostatitis usually affects young men, while cancer is more frequent with advancing age.
In the case of men who have a family history of prostate cancer, they should have a digital rectal exam earlier than usual, around the age of 40, in order to avoid complications.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for an enlarged prostate varies according to the cause and severity of the problem. So it can be done as follows:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia: in these cases the doctor starts treatment with the use of medicines, such as tamsulosin, alfuzosin or finasteride, for example, to decrease the size of the prostate and relieve symptoms. In the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the prostate. Learn more about how this problem is handled.
- Prostatitis: In some cases, inflammation of the prostate is caused by a bacterial infection, so the urologist may prescribe antibiotics. Here's how to relieve the symptoms of prostatitis.
- Prostate cancer: treatment is almost always done with surgery to remove the prostate and, depending on the evolution of the cancer, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary.
Some natural remedies that help complete the treatment, with medical authorization, can relieve symptoms more quickly. See some examples of these home remedies for the prostate.