Can you feel an enlarged prostate?
As men get older, there’s a good chance that they will experience prostate problems, including enlargement of the gland. Some haven’t got a clue what it is or where it is in their body. Fear not! In this article we’ll discuss whether you can feel an enlarged prostate and other important things you need to know about this issue.
What Is an Enlarged Prostate?
The prostate gland, located beneath the bladder between the rectum and pubic bone, Awkward! gradually increases in size as men age. This phenomenon called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects almost half of all men over 50 years old and up to 90% by age 85. Although BPH doesn’t cause cancer or other serious health problems, it may create symptoms such as:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Straining during urination
- A weak urine flow
- Urgency frequently feeling like going even after recent use
- More frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom
When Does It Become Noticeable?
Much has been made about how “feeling” might be one way of identifying whether someone has an enlarged prostate or not – but does this hold much water? The answer seems pretty clear cut: No! Why? Because telltale signs do not show up until very severe cases are present. So if your boyfriend keeps snoring like he drank rivers before bedtime – encourage him see his doctor because that habitual behavior could also be indicative of early stages!
Diagnosing BPH
Several tests can help diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These include:
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
During a DRE, your doctor will insert a gloved finger into your rectum while pressing on your abdomen with his other hand—this fun morning routine allows for palpation of the prostate gland for shape, size or inflammation.
Urine Flow Study
Urologists can gauge urine flow rate and pattern through a uroflowmeter which is quite similar to playing a game at the arcade with those “Funnel and Balls.” It’s just like that except instead of managing balls, it’s pee. Amazing!
PSA Blood Test
A blood test measures your levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), produced by the prostate gland. (It has nothing to do with Public Service Announcement folks). Since an enlarged prostate increases PSA levels in your bloodstream, this test indicates that you might have BPH.
Treatment Options
Fortunately, several treatment options are available for men experiencing symptoms from an enlarged prostate:
Medications
Medications such as alpha-blockers relax muscles around the urethra where they enter the bladder allowing urine to pass more easily; 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors shrink the gland itself.
Surgery —The Big Guns!
In extreme cases of BPH when medications aren’t working surgery may be necessary:
– Transurethral resection of The Prostate(TURP) -cuttingaway partoftheProstatethroughthewallbeneaththebladder.
– Holmium Laser Enucleation – using holmium laser beam technology, damaged tissue is vaporized while healthy tissue is spared
Mind you these surgical procedures mentioned capture seconds in film but could take hours!
Prevention Is Better Than Cure?
Preventing problems before they happen sounds good on paper but what steps can one actually take? Lifestyle changes seem unavoidable:
– Stay well hydrated
– Limit alcohol intake especially post-dinner drinks
– Go easy on caffeine—caffeine it’s not hydrating kids!
Basically, adopting Blue-Zones practices into our daily routine which aims towards holistic health values including:regular physical exercise,targeted nutrition,introspection & mindfulness whilstbeing socially engaged with our local community.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it- prostate enlargement can be downright annoying but is not a death sentence. Awareness really does go along way to solving problems, as the saying goes “Ignorance is bliss until its not.” Look after yourself always and pay attention to anything out of the ordinary down there/overthere!/-get in touch with your primary care doctor if ever you experience changes or abnormalities.