If you are a man, there is a good chance that as you get older you may start to experience symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate gland is the reproductive organ only found in men, and It is responsible for creating and secreting semen. The prostate surrounds the urethra and lies beneath the bladder, so when it grows in size, so do your urinary problems.
As a man ages, the prostate can become enlarged, where your bladder and urethra become pressed on due to a condition known as BPH. The prostate is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. Since the upper portion of the urethra passes through the prostate, if the gland becomes enlarged, it can obstruct the passage of fluid through the urethra and result in a weak stream, excessive daytime or nighttime urination, or complete inability to urinate (retention).
In other words, as a man, having prostate problems can severely impact their lifestyle and love life. Men who suffer from an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) often need to frequently urinate, but if the prostate is enlarged, the urethra could become blocked. Prostate problems can also cause lack of sleep, fatigue, and an overall reduced quality of life.
What are the Symptoms of Prostate Problems and BPH?
See your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Need to get up many times during the night to urinate
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain or burning urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal area, or upper thighs
Treatment for An Enlarged Prostate:
Avoiding the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can cause further complications later on in life. Untreated BPH can cause urinary tract infections, incontinence, urinary retention (not being able to pee), and painful kidney stones. Treatment options for an enlarged prostate include medications and surgery, depending on your individual case. The important thing to know, is that a licensed urologist such as Dr. Desi Avila, has the experience you need to treat prostate issues and other men’s health concerns.
To learn more about BPH, Call Ironwood Urology at (480) 961-2323 to learn more or request an appointment online.