What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and how is it handled?

Get the free Morning Headlines e-mail for information from our reporters throughout the world

Sign as much as our free Morning Headlines e-mail

King Charles III has been identified with most cancers and shall be stepping again from public duties whereas present process therapy, Buckingham Palace mentioned.

The information was introduced simply days after Charles was admitted to a non-public hospital for an unrelated operation on an enlarged prostate.

The monarch’s therapy and diagnoses have sparked curiosity in what is an extraordinarily frequent situation amongst older males.

The 75-year-old monarch is in good firm. About half of males of their 50s have enlarged prostates and that prevalence climbs to greater than 80% of males by the time they attain age 80.

It’s a standard outcome of getting old, mentioned Dr. Stephen Nakada, a University of Wisconsin urologist.

“It’s like getting gray hair,” Nakada mentioned.

An enlarged prostate doesn’t at all times trigger symptoms, however when it does, they are often annoying. And some males have extra hassle than others.

A take a look at the situation, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia:

WHAT IS THE PROSTATE GLAND?

The prostate is half of the reproductive system in males. It makes fluid for semen. It’s positioned under the bladder and it wraps round the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out by means of the penis.

WHAT CAUSES AN ENLARGED PROSTATE?

First, it’s not most cancers. The phrase “benign” in benign prostatic hyperplasia means the prostate isn’t cancerous.

What causes the prostate to develop isn’t utterly clear, however it’s probably attributable to hormonal adjustments as males age.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN ENLARGED PROSTATE?

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate can embrace frequent urination and needing to stand up many instances in the night time to pee. A person might need hassle getting began in the rest room or dribbling when completed. The lack of ability to utterly empty the bladder is additionally a standard symptom.

WHAT MIGHT HELP SYMPTOMS?

Doctors could first advise sufferers to cease ingesting fluids after dinner. Antihistamines can contribute to symptoms, as can alcohol and caffeine.

“A good initial intervention would be to decrease caffeine and alcohol intake, even decrease spicy food intake, because those can irritate the bladder,” Nakada mentioned.

HOW IS AN ENLARGED PROSTATE DIAGNOSED?

Doctors will ask about symptoms and medicines. They will carry out a rectal examination to find out the measurement and form of the prostate.

ARE THERE MEDICATIONS THAT HELP?

Medicines are out there that loosen up muscle mass and permit higher circulation of urine. Another sort of medication can be utilized to cease the prostate from rising. Erectile dysfunction medicine may help with urine circulation too.

There’s not robust proof for natural cures akin to noticed palmetto.

“I usually tell patients the only thing saw palmetto does is hurt your wallet,” Nakada mentioned.

WHAT ARE THE SURGICAL OPTIONS?

There are varied procedures to take away prostate tissue or widen the urethra.

Some use the pulse of a laser beam, microwaves, ultrasound, electrical present or heated water. Another process inserts a stent to prop up the prostate and make extra room for urine circulation.

There are additionally surgical methods to chop away tissue.

COULD THERE BE COMPLICATIONS FROM SURGERY?

All surgical procedures have potential issues akin to bleeding and infections. Prostate surgical procedure could cause urinary or sexual issues. Some of the much less invasive procedures could must be repeated if symptoms come again.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives assist from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely answerable for all content material.