Benign means non-cancerous. Many things, including prostate cancer and prostatitis can cause an enlarged prostate. This factsheet is just about enlarged prostate caused by BPH. The prostate is a gland that produces the liquid part of semen (the fluid produced when you ejaculate). It’s about the size of a walnut and lies at the base of your bladder. The front of your prostate surrounds your urethra †the tube that carries urine from your bladder and out through your penis. Any change in the size or shape of your prostate can narrow this tube, making it difficult for you to pass urine. If you have BPH, a rapid growth in the cells in your prostate can lead to growth of your prostate gland. Not all men with BPH will develop an enlarged prostate. Symptoms of enlarged prostate can include: 1.A weak or slow urinary stream 2.A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying 3.Difficulty starting urination 4.Frequent urination 5.Urgency to urinate 6.Getting up frequently at night to urinate 7.A urinary stream that starts and stops 8.Straining to urinate 9.Continued dribbling of urine 10.Returning to urinate again minutes after finishing Complications of benign enlarged prostate In some men, enlarged prostate can lead to more serious problems, such as the following. Urinary retention. This means you are unable to urinate at all. If this develops suddenly (acute urinary retention) and you have pain in your lower abdomen (tummy), seek urgent medical attention. If it develops gradually (chronic urinary retention), you may start to develop symptoms such as a swollen abdomen and passing urine involuntarily, for example in your sleep. Urinary retention can be treated in hospital by inserting a thin tube (catheter) into your bladder to drain the urine. Read more on http://www.herbalcureindia.com/male-health/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia.htm Recurrent urinary tract infections. You may develop frequent urinary tract infections because you are unable to empty your bladder properly. See your GP if you have symptoms such as pain when passing urine, needing to urinate more often than usual, pain in your lower abdomen or cloudy urine. Bladder stones. Bladder stones may form if you are unable to empty your bladder. You may have pain in your lower abdomen or find it painful to urinate. Bladder stones sometimes pass on their own, or you may need surgery to remove them. Treatment The choice of a treatment is based on the severity of your symptoms, the extent to which they affect your daily life, and the presence of any other medical conditions. Treatment options include "watchful waiting," lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. If you are over 60, you are more likely to have symptoms. But many men with an enlarged prostate have only minor symptoms. Self-care steps are often enough to make you feel better. If you have BPH, you should have a yearly exam to monitor the progression of your symptoms and determine if any changes in treatment are necessary. SELF-CARE For mild symptoms: 1.Urinate when you first get the urge. Also, go to the bathroom when you have the chance, even if you don't feel a need to urinate. 2.Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially after dinner. 3.Don't drink a lot of fluid all at once. Spread out fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinking fluids within 2 hours of bedtime. 4.Try NOT to take over-the-counter cold and sinus medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms. 5.Keep warm and exercise regularly. Cold weather and lack of physical activity may worsen symptoms. 6.Learn and perform Kegel exercises (pelvic strengthening exercises). 7.Reduce stress. Nervousness and tension can lead to more frequent urination.
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