Choosing A Healthier Life

Four Signs Of An Enlarged Prostate

The prostate is a small gland in the male body that plays a critical role in semen production. With age, it is normal for this gland to enlarge slightly. However, in some men, the rate of growth is accelerated. For men in this group, the gland size becomes excessively large. Men in this category are said to suffer from an enlarged prostate. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to identify this enlargement, but there are a set of symptoms that often lead to this diagnosis.

Initiation Difficulty

When an otherwise healthy male has the urge to urinate, the process of initiating the passing of urine should be effortless. It should not require strain or force for the flow to begin. Men with an enlarged prostate will sometimes experience this symptom. This issue is often the result of a blockage in the urethra that makes it difficult for the urine to pass through. 

Nocturia

Generally, an adult male can make it through the night without urinating, provided they have not consumed a large amount of water before bedtime. However, for men with enlarged prostates, this is not a luxury they have. An enlarged prostate can often put pressure on the bladder and cause it to become overworked, which makes it harder to hold urine the entire night. The sensation that leads to the urge to wake up and urine through the night is known as nocturia. 

Inconsistent Flow

Again, an enlarged prostate can cause a blockage in the urethra, the pathway in which urine is excreted from the body. As a result of this blockage, not only can it be challenging to initiate urination, but urination can also start and stop. This inconsistent flow is not painful but can make urinating and emptying the bladder challenging, which can cause issues. 

Ejaculation Discomfort

On its own, an enlarged prostate does not generally impact a male's ability to ejaculate. However, for men with this diagnosis, discomfort after ejaculation can occur. Many of the male reproductive organs are housed in a very small area. Given that the prostate is already enlarged, the extra pressure exerted during the ejaculation process can irritate the already enlarged gland and cause discomfort. How much pain is experienced may be linked to the size of the gland. 

If you suspect you have an enlarged prostate, it is important that you make a visit to a male urologist center such as Nashville Healthcare Center for a complete examination and proper diagnosis.


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