An enlarged prostate is characterized by different types of pain.
Having an enlarged prostate, results in lower back pain, abdominal pain, pain in the perineal area and pain during urination, ejaculation and bowel movement.
The prostate gland is a small gland that is located around the urethra, between the pubic bone and the rectum, just below the bladder.
The prostate gland of a man usually starts to enlarge after the age of 40.
Prostate enlargement is actually a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
In Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, the prostate becomes enlarged and may compress the urethra (the tube that carries urine).
This compression of the urethra can impede the flow of urine from the urethra to the bladder.
BPH can also cause acute urinary retention, or a backup of urine in the bladder.
Acute urinary retention usually causes frequent urination and in some cases, a complete blockage of the urethra, which is a medical emergency.
When a complete blockage of the urethra occurs, it can result in kidney damage.
Prostate enlargement is extremely common.
About half of men ages 50 and over develop this condition.
However, only 10% are in need of medical or surgical treatment.
Prostate enlargement or BPH is not a precursor to prostate cancer.
This condition is benign and does not lead too cancer.
The Prostate gland is the gland that secretes the fluid that is released with sperm.
The prostate gland itself actually surrounds the urethra.
As the prostate starts to enlarge, it presses on the urethra.
The compression cause by the enlarged prostate is what causes men to have problems with urination.
Normally, the prostate gland is about the size and shape of a walnut.
At the onset of prostate enlargement, the bladder muscles start to force urine through the narrowed urethra by contractions that are more powerful.
This pressure causes the pain when urinating and causes bladder sensitivity.
As the prostate increases in size, the urethra may become completely blocked resulting in kidney damage, bladder damage or urinary tract infections.
These conditions caused by prostate enlargement contribute to the intense pain that is experienced by sufferers of BPH.
Pain is only one symptom of an enlarged prostate.
However, many men have no symptoms of this condition.
Here are other symptoms that you may be suffering from an enlarged prostate gland: A weak stream of urine Difficulty starting to urinate Dribbling or urine (After completion of urination) Feeling of having a full bladder Leaking of urine Frequent urination Blood in urine and semen You should seek medical attention if you are starting to experience intense pain symptoms associated with BPH.
The persistence of lower back pain and other BPH symptoms may be an indication of kidney damage.
In addition, if you are experiencing, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting you should consult a doctor.
Acute urinary retention where you cannot urinate (at all) should be treated very seriously.
It is a medical emergency, and if you are experiencing this symptom, you should go to the closest medical facility.
There is no known way to prevent prostate enlargement because it is a common part of aging.
However, there are things that you can do to help with the pain of an enlarged prostate.
Things that help with the pain of an enlarged prostate: Urinate once you experience the urge to do so Empty you bladder completely when you urinate Avoid drinking fluids after 6pm (reduces frequent nighttime urination) Drink enough water throughout the day (prevents bacteria from accumulating in the bladder).
Drink cranberry juice four times a day to increase the acidity of your urine.
This will help with the pain of a urinary tract infection.
Dealing with the pain of an enlarged prostate can be incredibly hard.
Most painful symptoms of prostate enlargement will lessen without treatment.
However, if you are experiencing very painful or uncomfortable symptoms, it is important to seek medical treatment.