The prostate gland is a gland that exists only in men and is one that can cause problems, especially as men get older. An enlarged prostate is a very common condition in men over the age of 40 but is especially problematic in men over 60. In some cases, however, an enlarged prostate can be something that affects younger men too.
Here we look at what the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are and what you might need to do if you think you are experiencing these problems.
What Are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?
When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, the first problem that men normally notice is issues with urination. It may become difficult to urinate, or you may find that it takes longer to urinate than usual. You may also find that you feel the need to urinate more often than you actually are able to. Men who have enlarged prostate glands tend to wake up many times in the night needing to urinate but are not necessarily able to do so normally. You may also have some other symptoms, such as lower back pain or erectile dysfunction.
How is an Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed?
An enlarged prostate or other problems with the prostate gland, including prostate cancer, are diagnosed by a trip to see a urologist. This is someone who is specialized in the area of urology, that is the urinary tract, the bladder, and the prostate, as well as things like the kidneys and penis. Different tests are done to diagnose an enlarged prostate, but this will include a prostate exam. This will involve the doctor examining the prostate to see if it is larger than it should be. You may also have to provide a urine sample so that things like urinary tract infections can be ruled out as a cause of your symptoms.
How is an Enlarged Prostate Treated?
Because there are so many different causes for an enlarged prostate, the treatment can vary significantly. If you are diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, then there could be various treatments ranging from medical to surgical interventions involved in treating you. For this reason, it is very important that you seek medical advice from a proper urologist as soon as you notice any symptoms that could be indicative of an enlarged prostate gland.
If you have concerns about your prostate, now is a great time to contact the best urologist in NYC, so give us a call today.