Prostate Problems: What You Need to Know
The prostate is a small gland which is located between the outer wall of your bladder and your penis. If you are male, as you age, you may find that your prostate begins to give you trouble. Prostate problems are caused by inflammation or enlargement of the prostate gland and typically occur in men aged over 50. In rare cases, problems with your prostate could also be a sign of prostate cancer.
Treatments
If you are diagnosed with an enlarged or inflamed prostate, your doctor may recommend that you make some changes to your lifestyle to reduce the size of your prostate. These lifestyle changes may involve:
- Limiting the volume of fluid you consume
- Dietary changes to include more omega-3 acids
- Kegel exercises to improve bladder control
You doctor may also recommend medications to reduce the size of your prostate. If you are diagnosed with cancer, your doctor may recommend laser surgery.
Signs and symptoms
Below is a guide to 5 signs that you have a problem with your prostate.
Trouble urinating
If you find it difficult to pass water, or to maintain a steady flow of urine when visiting the toilet, this could be a result of inflammation or the enlargement of your prostate. It is also a possible warning sign of prostate cancer, so you should book an appointment with your doctor.
Increased need to urinate
If you have developed problems with your prostate, you may find that frequency with which you need to visit the toilet is increased. This may be especially noticeable at night when it can disturb your sleep. If you find you regularly need to pee more often than usual, you should visit your doctor.
Lower back or pelvic pain
If you notice that you are suffering from pain in your lower back or pelvic area, a likely cause is the inflammation of your prostate or a bacterial infection. You may find that the pain intensifies when you urinate.
Painful ejaculation
One unexpected sign of prostate problems is a painful sensation when you ejaculate. This pain occurs because the prostate plays a key role in producing the fluid which contains the ejaculated sperm. As you reach the point of orgasm and begin to ejaculate, pressure will be placed on your enlarged prostate which can result in a sharp pain.
If you have any concerns about your prostate, you should book an appointment with your local doctor immediately. Your doctor will conduct a prostate exam before referring you to a specialist.