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Enlarged Prostate Blocking Urine Flow

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What Are The Risks Of A Urine Flow Test

New Treatment for Enlarged Prostate Restores Normal Urination

A urine flow test is safe for most people. The test is often done in aprivate bathroom or procedure area.

There may be risks depending on your specific health condition. Be sure todiscuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.

Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the accuracy of a urineflow test. These factors include:

  • Straining with urination
  • Your bladder is not full of urine
  • Body movement during urination
  • Certain medicines that affect bladder and sphincter muscle tone

Can Enlarged Prostate Affect Your Bowel Movements

The biggest problem with an enlarged prostate is that it causes a chain of reactions beyond urinary symptoms. In some cases, BPH is not the only prostate problem that men have to deal with.

Sometimes enlarged prostate can lead to prostatitis, i.e., inflammation of the prostate gland. In one study, 57.2% out of 5053 men with prostatitis reported a history of enlarged prostate. Additionally, 38.7% of 7465 men with BPH reported a history of prostatitis.

Symptoms Of Benign Prostate Enlargement

The symptoms of benign prostate enlargement are caused by the enlarged prostate placing pressure on the bladder and urethra .

This can affect urination in a number of ways. For example, it can:

  • make it difficult for you to start urinating
  • weaken the flow of urine or cause “stopping and starting”
  • cause you to strain to pass urine
  • cause you to need to urinate frequently
  • cause you to wake up frequently during the night to urinate
  • cause a sudden urge to urinate, which can result in urinary incontinence if you can’t find a toilet quickly enough
  • cause you to not be able to empty your bladder fully
  • cause blood in the urine

In the later stages, benign prostate enlargement can cause urine retention and other complications such as bladder stones, bladder infections and kidney damage.

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Symptoms Of Urinary Problems

Urinary symptoms commonly experienced with prostate problems include:

  • the need to urinate frequently during the night
  • urinating more often during the day
  • urinary urgency the urge to urinate can be so strong and sudden that you may not reach the toilet in time
  • the urine stream is slow to start
  • urine dribbling for some time after finishing urination
  • a sensation that the bladder isn’t fully emptied after urination
  • lack of force to the urine flow, which makes directing the stream difficult
  • the sensation of needing to go again soon after urinating.

Although these symptoms often do not need treatment, see your doctor if they are causing you difficulty, as they can be successfully treated.

Does An Enlarged Prostate Mean Cancer

Enlarged Prostate: What You Need to Know

Most men who have a prostate problem do not have cancer. Cancer does occur in the prostate gland and is more common as men age. It is important for your doctor to check your prostate gland for enlargement or abnormalities, particularly as you age. In addition, there is now a blood test called the PSA, or prostate specific antigen test, which measures a substance that increases in the blood when prostate cancer has spread. The American Urologic Association recommends a yearly prostate examination for all men over age 50. However, men who have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, such as African-American men and men who have a family history of the disease, are advised to begin yearly prostate exams at age 40. Other tests, such as ultrasound, can also give information about the prostate gland.

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Why Might I Need Urine Flow Test

A urine flow test is a quick, simple test that gives useful feedback aboutthe health of the lower urinary tract. It is often used to see if there isblockage to normal urine outflow. Health conditions that can change normalurine flow include:

  • Benign prostatic hypertrophy . This is enlargement of the prostate gland. It is not caused by cancer and often happens in men over age 50. The prostate wraps around the urethra. When it is enlarged, it can narrow the urethra and interfere with normal passage of urine from the bladder. If left untreated, the enlarged prostate can block the urethra completely.
  • Cancer of the prostate or bladder
  • Urinary blockage. A urinary tract blockage can happen for many reasons along any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the urethra. It can lead to a urine backup. This can cause infection, scarring, or even kidney failure if untreated.
  • Neurogenic bladder dysfunction. This is trouble with bladder function due to a nervous system problem, such as a spinal cord tumor or injury.
  • Frequent urinary tract infections. These can cause scarring and damage in the urinary tract.

There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend aurine flow test.

Signs Of A Prostate Thats Enlarged

A larger than normal prostate often results in frequent urination, especially at night. The size of the prostate doesnt always suggest what symptoms may be experienced. Its possible for a man with a prostate thats only slightly enlarged to have more severe symptoms than one with a significantly enlarged gland. Signs and symptoms suggesting prostate enlargement include:

  • Frequent urges to urinate

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Men Sometimes Wary Of Bringing Up Problems

Lets be honest: men often dont want to talk about some things and that includes prostate health. That is why I am addressing this column to not only men, but women, too, so they are aware of issues the men in their lives may be dealing with and perhaps encourage them to seek medical attention.

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is a part of the male reproductive system and sits below the bladder. Prostate gland enlargement is a common condition men face as they get older. An enlarged prostate gland causes uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder, and problems with the bladder, urinary tract or kidneys. Common symptoms include more frequent or urgent need to urinate, increased frequency of needing to use the bathroom at night, difficulty starting urination and weak urine stream or a stream that starts and stops. Symptoms worsen over time. Anyone with these symptoms should talk them over with his doctor. Left untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to a sudden inability to urinate, cause urinary tract infections and bladder or kidney damage.

If a patient has an enlarged prostate, medication is normally the first treatment option. Several different types of medication either relax the bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate or that shrink the size of the prostate. If a patient has severe symptoms or medication is not working, minimally invasive surgery options are available.

What Are The Warning Signs Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

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Your prostate surrounds your urethra. When BPH causes your prostate to grow, it can cause blockage in your urethra. As a result, early symptoms of BPH include:

  • Slowness or dribbling when you pee.
  • Difficulty starting to pee.
  • Kidney damage due to pee backflow from your bladder up to your kidney. The pee backflow increases pressure on your kidney.

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Are There Different Causes For Men

In some cases, blood in the urine may mean something different for men than for women. Blood may show up from either an enlarged prostate gland or prostate cancer.

And, both bladder and kidney cancers are more common in men than in women.

For 2018, the American Cancer Society estimates 42,680 new diagnoses of kidney cancer in men and 22,660 in women.

For bladder cancer, the society estimates 62,380 new cases among men and 18,810 in women in 2018.

The most common cause of bladder cancer is smoking, Dr. Abouassaly says.

The carcinogens get absorbed in the blood and filter into the kidneys and bladder and they just sit there, he says. I recommend if you are a smoker, do everything you can to stop smoking.

Can Constipation Harm Your Prostate

Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems. We all experience it at one point or another. The influence of constipation goes beyond feeling bloated, and it may extend to your prostate gland.

To describe how constipation harms the prostate, its important to mention your bowel is located right next to the prostate gland. Bowels carry waste and toxins, which start building up without regular bowel movements, i.e., in the presence of constipation.

Sometimes, excessive levels of these toxins can migrate to the nearby tissues, including the prostate tissue. When that happens, the prostate can become inflamed, and you experience pain and discomfort due to chronic bacterial prostatitis or acute bacterial prostatitis.

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How Is Bph Diagnosed And Evaluated

Early diagnosis of BPH is important because if left untreated it can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence. Distinguishing BPH from more serious diseases like prostate cancer is important.

Tests vary from patient to patient, but the following are the most common:

What Are The Symptoms And Signs

San Antonio Enlarged Prostate Treatment Options

The location of the prostate gland is fairly low in the pelvic region, below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. It lies in very close proximity to the urethra. The urethra is the tube that conveys urine from the bladder to the external environment. When the prostate gland swells, it tends to exert pressure on the urinary bladder as well as the urethra. Initially, there may be no significant disturbance. Eventually, however, the individual will notice certain changes in patterns of urination. The following symptoms are common manifestations of enlargement of the prostate gland:

  • The individual may find it difficult to initiate urination and may need to strain to force urine out.
  • There may be a reduced flow of urine.
  • The urine stream may pause intermittently.
  • Frequent urge to urinate, particularly at night.
  • The bladder is not voided completely upon urination.
  • Sudden, unexpected urges to urinate.
  • Urinary incontinence.

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Find Out More About Enlarged Prostate Symptoms And Treatments

Have you been experiencing urination problems and are wondering about the cause? Here you can read more about the symptoms of Benign Prostate Enlargement .

You get a brief overview of what it is, how an enlarged prostate can be treated, and most importantly why its critical to seek help at an early stage. Use the short links below.

When Is Bph Treatment Necessary

The course of BPH in any individual is not predictable. Symptoms, as well as objective measurements of urethral obstruction, can remain stable for many years and may even improve over time for as many as one-third of men, according to some studies. In a study from the Mayo Clinic, urinary symptoms did not worsen over a 3.5-year period in 73% of men with mild BPH. A progressive decrease in the size and force of the urinary stream and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying are the symptoms most correlated with the eventual need for treatment. Although nocturia is one of the most annoying BPH symptoms, it does not predict the need for future intervention.

If worsening urethral obstruction is left untreated, possible complications are a thickened, irritable bladder with reduced capacity for urine infected residual urine or bladder stones and a backup of pressure that damages the kidneys.

  • Inadequate bladder emptying resulting in damage to the kidneys
  • Complete inability to urinate after acute urinary retention
  • Incontinence due to overfilling or increased sensitivity of the bladder
  • Recurrent severe hematuria
  • Symptoms that trouble the patient enough to diminish his quality of life

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Surgical Treatment For Enlarged Prostate

  • Transurethral resection of the prostate . In this surgery, the inner portion of the prostate is removed. Used 90% of the time, this is the most commonly used surgical procedure for BPH.

  • Open prostatectomy .The surgeon makes an incision and removes the enlarged tissue from the prostate.

  • Laser surgery –Laser surgery uses laser energy to destroy prostate tissue and shrink the prostate.

  • Transurethral incision of the prostate .This surgery does not involve removing prostate tissue. A few small cuts are made in the prostate gland to reduce the prostate’s pressure on the urethra, making urination easier.

Who Is A Candidate For Urolift

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: Benign Tumor Blocks Flow of Urine

For men older than 50, benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common prostate problem. For most of these men, medication is often the first choice of treatment.

However, for patients with a relatively small to moderate sized prostate gland who do not want to take a daily dose of medication, the UroLift treatment is ideal.

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What Are The Side Effects Of The Treatment For Ureteral Obstruction

The side effects of alpha-blockers include dizziness, headaches and fainting. Side effects of finasteride , the medication used to shrink the prostate, include decreased sexual desire and increased hair growth.

Surgery to remove the obstruction or place a stent can have side effects such as discomfort and increased risk of infection.

Problems With Enlarged Prostate Gland

Benign enlargement of the prostate gland is more common as men get older. It can cause troublesome symptoms, although it doesnt always.

The urethra passes through the prostate gland, so men may have problems urinating if the enlarged gland restricts the flow of urine. If the flow stops completely, a catheter is required to empty the bladder. It is rare for this form of acute urinary retention to cause kidney damage.

An enlarged prostate doesnt always cause urinary problems. Studies indicate that the size of a mans prostate gland has little influence on the type or severity of his urination problems. BPH is just one possible cause of urinary symptoms.

Another cause of urinary symptoms can be changes to the muscular wall of the bladder, which may cause spasms of the bladder or weaken the bladder, causing problems passing urine.

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How Is A Prostate Problem Diagnosed

A prostate problem is most often diagnosed because of the symptoms that it causes. Your doctor will also do a physical examination called a digital rectal exam, or DRE. Other tests can be done to measure the urine flow, which can help the doctor decide how much the prostate is blocking the urine stream.

How Do I Get Ready For A Urine Flow Test

Enlarged Prostate and OTC Drugs
  • Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and you can ask questions.
  • Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting is needed.
  • You may be told to drink about 4 glasses of water several hours before the test to be sure that your bladder is full. Don’t empty your bladder before arriving for the procedure.
  • If you are pregnant or think you may be, tell your healthcare provider.
  • Make sure your healthcare provider has a list of all medicines , herbs, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking.

Based on your health condition, your healthcare provider may request otherspecific preparation.

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Medications For Enlarged Prostate

There are two main classes of pharmaceuticals that work to alleviate enlarged prostate symptoms: alpha blockers and alpha reductase inhibitors

  • Alpha Blockers. Alpha blockers relax the smooth muscle around the bladder neck and within the urethra.

  • Inhibitors. Inhibitors stop the conversion of the male hormone testosterone to DHT to reduce the prostate’s size, eliminating blockage.

Dont be surprised if your physician prescribes a combination of the two medications, as they have been shown to work more effectively together than alone. The downside is that combination therapy may increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects from the medications. Be sure to work with your doctor to assess the benefits and costs before starting on combination therapy.

International Prostate Symptom Score

You’ll be asked to complete a questionnaire to assess your symptoms. Each question has five possible answers that carry a score, and your overall score is used to assess the severity of your symptoms.

The checklist includes the following questions.

Over the past month:

  • How often have you had the sensation of not completely emptying your bladder after urinating?
  • How often have you had to urinate again less than two hours after finishing urinating?
  • How often have you found that you stopped and started again when urinating?
  • How often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?
  • How often have you had a weak stream of urine?
  • How often have you had to push or strain to begin urinating during the course of one night?
  • How often have you had to get up during the night to urinate?

After your GP has assessed the severity your symptoms, they’ll aim to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms using certain tests.

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About Half Of Men Older Than 50 Have An Enlarged Prostate Here Are Some Of The Basic Facts You Need To Know About This Common Condition

As men age, many experience prostate gland enlargement. This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia .

The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the hollow tube that carries urine out of the body. When the prostate gets bigger, it can squeeze or partially block the urethra, which leads to problems urinating.

BPH is quite common in older men. In fact, the condition impacts about 50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60. For men 80 and older, the prevalence of BPH is approximately 90%, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

While BPH can have serious complications, it is not a cancer and is generally linked to a mans aging process. Although the causes of BPH are not entirely understood, some researchers have investigated whether hormonal changes and cell growth as men age could be related to the development of the condition. If left untreated, BPH can lead to bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

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