If you’re a man over the age of 50, there’s a good chance you have heard of an enlarged prostate. This condition is commonly known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH for short. But what do you really know about it? In this blog post, we will discuss five things that you may not have known about an enlarged prostate. Keep reading to learn more!
You’re Not Alone:
If you have an enlarged prostate, you are in good company. In fact, it is estimated that over 50% of men will have an enlarged prostate by the time they reach the age of 60 and 70% of men will have an enlarged prostate by the time they are over 60. By the age of 85, as many as 90% of men will have an enlarged prostate. So, if you’re dealing with this issue, know that you are far from alone.
It is Not Cancer:
While an enlarged prostate associated with BPH can be a serious problem, it is not cancer. In fact, the two conditions are completely different. Cancer of the prostate is a completely different disease that occurs in the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate associated with BPH does not mean that you have cancer and it is not a precursor to cancer. With that being said, untreated BPH can still cause problems with the bladder and kidneys.
Not Every Man Gets It:
While an enlarged prostate is common, not every man will get it. In fact, there are some men who never have any problems with their prostate at all. The risk of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age, but there are other factors that can increase your risk as well. These include a family history of the condition, being overweight or obese, and having certain medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. While you may not be able to prevent BPH, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle can help decrease your risk.
It Can Cause Multiple Symptoms:
An enlarged prostate can cause a variety of symptoms, including difficulty urinating, a weak or interrupted urine stream, dribbling after urination, and the need to urinate more frequently. In some cases, BPH can also lead to urinary retention, which is when you are unable to empty your bladder completely. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor so that you can get the treatment you need.
Treatments Can Help:
While there is no cure for BPH, there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms and keep the condition under control. These treatments include medication, lifestyle changes, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery. The type of treatment that is right for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the size of your prostate.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have discussed five things that you may not know about an enlarged prostate. We hope that this information has been helpful and informative. If you are dealing with the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, talk to your doctor about the treatment options that are available to you. Remember, you’re not alone and there are treatments available to help you manage your condition. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help!
