Helpful Information Concerning Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate is very common in men over the age of 50. If you are an older man or know of a man who is around the age of 50 here are some facts they should know.

Causes of an Enlarged Prostate

Prostate enlargement is common in men as they age. The most common reason for an enlarged prostrate is Benign Prostrate Hyperplasia which while annoying is a relatively treatable and non dangerous condition. While the exact cause is unknown there are other enlarged prostate causes which include simple aging and the condition of the testicles themselves in connection with the growth rate of the prostate, evidenced by the fact that men who have had their testicles removed do not develop any signs of enlarged prostate. Some other causes of an enlarged prostate include elevated levels of estrogen in the blood stream. In their lives men make both testosterone and small amounts of estrogen. As men age the quantity of testosterone in the blood diminishes and this causes an elevated level of estrogen. Some studies have been done that suggest that this higher level of estrogen in men is a possible cause of an enlarged prostate.

Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

Normally the prostate is the size of a walnut and it wraps around the urethra. Some symptoms of an enlarged prostate include a weak stream of urine, or difficulty beginning to urinate and dribbling of the urine stream. Also a man will experience a sense of not being fully empty after urination and will experience more frequent urination. Other enlarged prostate symptoms include blood in the urine and extreme pain when urinating.

Treatments for an Enlarged Prostate

Enlarged prostate treatment really is based solely on your symptoms and how severe they may be. The doctor will decide how much these symptoms affect your daily life and also check to see if other medical conditions exist. Some treatments available include lifestyle changes, medications and even the possible surgery. Some of the available medications include Alpha 1 blockers such as tamsulosin. These medications are also used to treat high blood pressure. Hormones such as Finasteride which lowers the levels of hormones made by the prostate help in reducing the size of the prostate and increases the urine flow. These medications do have side effects such as a decreased sex drive. Also the Doctor may give the patient a course of antibiotics to deal with the inflammation of the prostate and some men see a marked improvement after taking the antibiotics.