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Why Does Enlarged Prostate Cause Frequent Urination

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International Prostate Symptom Score

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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.

Try These Techniques To Relieve Common Urinary Symptoms Without Medication

For frequent urination or urgency in men, these methods really work. And you can always switch to medication later.

If you are a man over age 50, chances are you knowor will soonsomeone taking a medication for an overgrown prostate gland. Better known as benign prostatic hyperplasia , this condition can cause bothersome problems like frequent urination at night, difficulty completely emptying the bladder, and the urgent need to urinate at inconvenient times.

BPH triggers noticeable problems in a third of men in their 60s and nearly half of those in their 80s. Drug therapy relieves symptoms, and for severe problems, surgery may be considered. But for men with milder symptoms that don’t interfere much with their daily lives, there’s another option: watchful waiting.

In watchful waiting, you and your doctor monitor your symptoms closely and then take action only when you feel it is necessary. In the meantime, simple changes in behavior can help to take the edge off urinary symptoms. This approach also avoids the costs and risks associated with more aggressive treatment.

“Watchful waiting is broadly available to men who have lower urinary tract symptoms that have been attributed to BPH, but who are not bothered enough to take on the small but finite risks of treatment, such as drugs or surgery,” says Dr. Michael J. Barry, a clinical professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who helped to write national guidelines on how to treat BPH.

What Is Meant By Frequent Urination In Men

Urination is our bodys natural mechanism of getting rid of waste fluids. Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra.;

Urine is produced in the kidneys where the waste and toxins are filtered from the blood. Then the urine flows through the ureters and gets stored in the bladder. Through the urethra, the urine is passed from the bladder and out of our bodies. On average, a person urinates nearly 4-8 times during the day.;

Frequent urination in men is exactly what the name entails. It is majorly a symptom of an underlying condition that causes a person to pass urinate several times throughout a day. In this condition, a man experiences a reduced ability to hold urine in the bladder and an increased urge to pass urine.;

Frequent urination is often associated with an underlying health condition. It can even compel you to wake up several times in the night to urinate. The condition in which your bladder forces you to wake up in the middle of the night is known as nocturia.;

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What Is Overactive Bladder

According to the Urology Care Foundation, around 33 million Americans have OAB. They say estimate that 30 percent of men and 40 percent of women in the United States experience symptoms.

OAB is believed to occur due to malfunctioning nerves that trigger uncontrolled bladder muscle contractions that happen while the bladder is filling. The main symptom of OAB is a sudden urge to urinate thats hard to control. It can be stressful, and it can get in the way of your day-to-day life. It normally responds well to medical therapy.

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The treatment of frequent urination depends upon the reason behind it. Your healthcare provider will aim to manage or treat the underlying cause leading to urinary symptoms.;

If you are passing urine frequently due to diabetes, your doctor will offer effective management of your blood sugar levels. If the same is caused due to an infection such as UTI, then you will be offered certain medications to treat the bacterial infection.;

Along with medication, your healthcare provider will help you regain bladder control through training and exercises. There are different forms of bladder training techniques used by doctors to control the constant urge to urinate male.

  • Kegel exercises: Kegel exercises are helpful in strengthening the muscles below the bladder and control urination.;
  • Bladder training: Your healthcare provider will assist you to train your bladder and control urination for longer than usual.;

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What Does Frequent Urination Mean

Frequent urination is a condition where men or women pass urine more often than usual.

Some people who experience this feel a sudden, compelling urge to urinate.

At times, it comes along with bladder discomfort. It may also result from an overactive bladder. For men and women, if you go more than eight times in 24 hours to urinate, then you are experiencing frequent urination.

Frequent urination is not the same as incontinence. That has to do with the involuntary leakage of urine.

Simply put, this occurs when a person urinates when they do not want to. It has something to do with control over the urinary sphincter, which is either absent or impaired.

Frequent urination can be divided into two types. The first type is linked to an increase in the total volume of urine .

The second one involves problems with the storage and emptying of the urine. If frequent urination happens for men or women at night, it is referred to as nocturia.

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
  • Bladder stones
  • Recurrent severe hematuria
  • Symptoms that trouble the patient enough to diminish his quality of life

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Currently, the main options to address BPH are:

  • Watchful waiting
  • Medication
  • Surgery

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Tips For Relieving Bph Symptoms

Four simple steps can help relieve some of the symptoms of BPH:

  • Some men who are nervous and tense urinate more frequently. Reduce stress by exercising regularly and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation.
  • When you go to the bathroom, take the time to empty your bladder completely. This will reduce the need for subsequent trips to the toilet.
  • Talk with your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re taking; some may contribute to the problem. Your doctor may be able to adjust dosages or change your schedule for taking these drugs, or he or she may prescribe different medications that cause fewer urinary problems.
  • Avoid drinking fluids in the evening, particularly caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Both can affect the muscle tone of the bladder and stimulate the kidneys to produce urine, leading to nighttime urination.
  • For more on advances in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate diseases, read;the;Annual Report on Prostate Diseases;from Harvard Medical School.

    When Should I Reach Out To My Doctor About Frequent Urination

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    Because the conditions behind frequent urination can range wildly from casual to severe, you should speak to your doctor about anything outside of your typical urination patterns. In some cases, frequent urination may be just an annoying symptom that will end when you cut back on the caffeineor have the baby. However, if you are unsure why youre urinating so frequently, it is best to set up an appointment and talk about it. This is a symptom that can often be treated and isnt something that you need to just deal with.

    There are a few signs to keep an eye out for and call your doctor immediately if you have them with frequent urination. These include:

    • If you have a fever.
    • If you are vomiting.
    • If you have back pain .
    • If you see blood in your urine.
    • If you have a discharge coming out of your vagina or penis.

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    Treatment For Urinary Problems

    If your urinary problems are caused by infection or enlargement of the prostate gland, treatment may include:

    • a long course of antibacterial medication because infection is difficult to get rid of, the antibacterial medication will need to be taken for many weeks
    • medication to improve urine flow and other symptoms
    • surgical procedures the type of surgery required depends on the size of the prostate and the condition of the urethra. Types of procedures include:
    • transurethral resection of the prostate
    • transurethral incision of the prostate
    • laser resection of the prostate
    • open surgery prostatectomy ;
    • removal of prostate tissue using water jets or steam
  • UroLift® for men for whom medication has not been successful but their prostates are not so enlarged that they need more invasive surgery. This procedure involves the transurethral insertion of staples to separate the lobes of the prostate. It has minimal side effects and preserves ejaculatory and erectile function
  • a number of other procedures that have been developed to reduce urinary symptoms. Talk to your doctor about your options.
  • When To See A Doctor

    Prostatitis by itself is not always an emergency, and plenty of patients live with asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis without knowing.

    But when you start experiencing symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor and evaluate your condition.

    Both acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis have complications.

    Acute bacterial prostatitis can trigger a prostatic abscess when it is not adequately treated.

    Chronic prostatitis causes sexual dysfunction, depression, and a decrease in quality of life.;

    Thus, talk to your doctor whenever you feel pain in your pelvic floor, testicles, or urinary tract, and it does not go away. If your pain frequently returns, you should look for medical help.;

    Find out what food to include in your prostatitis diet and which foods you should avoid.

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    What Can I Do To Control Frequent Urination

    There are several lifestyle changes and non-medicated ways to manage your frequent urination. These can include:

    • Avoiding drinking fluids before going to bed.
    • Limiting the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink.
    • Doing Kegel exercises to build up strength in your pelvic floor. These muscles support the organs in the pelvis, including your bladder. Kegel exercises are often prescribed to women after childbirth because of the stress having a baby places on the pelvic floor muscles.
    • Wearing a protective pad or underwear to avoid leaks. This is a short-term solution that can help you keep living your life while your condition is being treated.

    Tips For Coping With An Enlarged Prostate

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    When a man reaches about age 25, his prostate begins to grow. This natural growth is called benign prostatic hyperplasia and it is the most common cause of prostate enlargement. BPH is a benign condition that does not lead to prostate cancer, though the two problems can coexist.

    Although 50% to 60% of men with BPH may never develop any symptoms, others find that BPH can make life miserable. The symptoms of BPH include:

    • a hesitant, interrupted, weak urine stream
    • urgency, leaking, or dribbling
    • a sense of incomplete emptying
    • more frequent urination, especially at night.

    As a result, many men seek treatment. The good news is that treatments are constantly being improved. Patients and their physicians now have more medications to choose from, so if one doesn’t do the trick, another can be prescribed. And thanks to some refinements, surgical treatments are more effective and have fewer side effects than ever before.

    But there are some things men dealing with BPH can do on their own. When symptoms are not particularly bothersome, watchful waiting may be the best way to proceed. This involves regular monitoring to make sure complications aren’t developing, but no treatment. For more troubling symptoms, most doctors begin by recommending a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Often this will be enough to relieve the worst symptoms and prevent the need for surgery

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    Symptoms Of Enlarged Prostate

    Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is the enlargement of the prostate gland. About half of men over age 75 will experience symptoms of BPH. BPH is a very minor condition and is not related to prostate cancer. However, symptoms can cause discomfort and be inconvenient.

    How Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treated

    Treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia may include

    • lifestyle changes
    • minimally invasive procedures
    • surgery

    A health care provider treats benign prostatic hyperplasia based on the severity of symptoms, how much the symptoms affect a mans daily life, and a mans preferences.

    Men may not need treatment for a mildly enlarged prostate unless their symptoms are bothersome and affecting their quality of life. In these cases, instead of treatment, a urologist may recommend regular checkups. If benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms become bothersome or present a health risk, a urologist most often recommends treatment.

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    Frequent Urination In Men: Causes Symptoms Treatments

    Frequent urination in men is not just a nuisance. It greatly affects your quality of life.

    Yet many men accept it as a natural part of getting older.

    This is simply not true.

    Going to the toilet more often than you are used to whether at day or during the night is a sign that something is wrong. And that something is your prostate.

    Diagnosing An Enlarged Prostate

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    As with all incontinence conditions, a thorough diagnosis must be developed before action can be taken.; You may have heard of some of these exams. And if you havent, now is a good time to familiarize yourself with them. Not only is knowledge power, but it also eliminates surprises.

    Because those with BPH can experience symptoms from mild to severe, the treatment options featured here are organized from least invasive to more intense.

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    It Can Alleviate Painful Ejaculation

    Painful ejaculation is rare, but it happens. It can come from infection or inflammation in the epididymis , prostate, seminal vesicles, and/or urethra. It can also signal a blockage in the ejaculatory duct. “Massage can reduce prostate inflammation and make ejaculation less painful,” says Mills.

    Another cause of painful ejaculation can be tight pelvic floor muscles, which can occur when men have an inflammation or infection of the prostate. Again, Gonzalez says doing Kegels can help. “Manual manipulation of those muscles during prostate massage can further alleviate ejaculatory pain. This is definitely something you would want a specialist to work on with you,” he says.

    Symptoms Of Benign Prostate Enlargement

    The;prostate is a small gland, located in the pelvis, between the penis and bladder.

    If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can place pressure on the bladder and the urethra, which is the tube that urine passes through.

    This can;affect how you pee and may cause: ;

    • difficulty starting to pee
    • a frequent need to pee
    • difficulty fully emptying your bladder

    In some men, the symptoms are mild and do not need treatment. In others, they can be very troublesome.

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    Herbal Therapies For An Enlarged Prostate

    Several herbal supplements are marketed for enlarged prostates. Saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and pygeum are all are widely used in Europe. They are available in the U.S. and don’t require a prescription.

    However, researchers and doctors are cautious about advising patients to try herbal supplements. Because they are not FDA-regulated, there are concerns about a product’s quality from batch to batch, according to the NIH’s Office of Dietary Supplements. Also, the safety of an herbal product depends on many things — the chemical makeup, how it works in the body, how it is prepared, and the dosage.

    Something else to consider: Like any drug, a herbal remedy can affect how other medications or treatments work, or interact dangerously with your other medications. They can also have side effects. And, the AUA points out, they have not been well-studied for effectiveness or safety.

    Before trying any alternative treatment, learn as much as you can about it, the AUA says. Most importantly — talk to your doctor before you try an herbal remedy. Many doctors consider alternative therapies like saw palmetto to “have no effect on symptoms, except as expensive placebos,” Slawin tells WebMD.

    Beta-sitosterol: This compound is extracted from pollen of rye grass. There has been some evidence that it provides relief from urinary symptoms. However, in four studies the supplement did not increase urinary flow rates, shrink the prostate, or improve bladder emptying.

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