An enlarged prostate is a common problem for men as they get older. While it is not always cancerous, it can cause a lot of problems if left untreated. If you are concerned that you may have an enlarged prostate, the first step is to see a specialist and ask some important questions. In this blog post, we will discuss the questions you should ask a prostate specialist to help you make an informed decision about your health.
What does an enlarged prostate look like?
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that is located below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. An enlarged prostate occurs when the prostate gland enlarges due to an increase in the number of cells. This can happen as men get older or if there is a family history of prostate problems. An enlarged prostate can put pressure on the urethra and cause urinary problems such as difficulty urinating, a weak stream of urine, or a feeling that you need to urinate more often.
What is the difference between prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate?
Prostate cancer occurs when there is abnormal cell growth in the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate happens when the gland enlarges due to an increase in the number of non-cancerous cells. Prostate cancer can cause an enlarged prostate, but not all enlarged prostates are cancerous. However, it is important to see a specialist to rule out prostate cancer if you are experiencing any urinary problems. Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men and can be deadly if it spreads to other parts of the body.
Are enlarged prostates cancerous?
Not all enlarged prostates are cancerous. In fact, most enlarged prostates are diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that is caused by an increase in the number of cells in the gland.
Can enlarged prostates cause infertility?
Enlarged prostates do not normally cause infertility. However, the enlargement can obstruct the flow of ejaculatory fluid, which can affect fertility. This can cause something known as retrograde ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is when the semen goes backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis.
What other issues can enlarged prostates cause?
In addition to urinary problems, an enlarged prostate can also cause sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation. It is also associated with an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections. Since BPH leads to frequent urination at night, this can also lead to problems with sleep.
What types of treatments are available for enlarged prostates?
There are a variety of treatment options available for enlarged prostates, depending on the cause and severity of the enlargement. Treatment options include: medication, prostatic artery embolization (PAE), TUMT, Urolift, Rezum, or TURP.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have discussed the questions you should ask a prostate specialist. If you are concerned that you may have an enlarged prostate, it is important to see a specialist and ask these important questions. An enlarged prostate can cause a variety of problems, but there are treatment options available. Don’t wait to get help, schedule an appointment with a prostate specialist today.
