Do You Have Trouble Passing Urine? Maybe It’s Time To Get Your Prostate Checked Out
Men usually go under a variety of urinary changes with age. In many cases, these alterations don’t require any particular treatment. However, some of the urinary changes may be caused by an inflamed or enlarged prostate gland. The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ that secretes fluids to nourish and protect sperm cells.
In cases where problems arise due to urinary changes, it is necessary to have your prostate examined by a urologist immediately. Such issues can be successfully treated by medication, lifestyle changes, surgery, or a combination of all three methods. Healthcare experts at emeds Pharmacy can provide you with detailed information. It is the only ISO certified online retail pharmacy in Pakistan where you can get authentic medication, prescription drugs, health and beauty products, and other medical supplies delivered to your doorstep. Its strict regulations and outstanding customer service made it an award-winner e-commerce platform.
What is the Prostate Gland?
The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ present at the base of the urinary bladder. It is a small structure, approximately the size of a walnut. It produces certain fluids that protect and nourish sperm cells from the seminal vesicles through the ejaculatory ducts and the urethra. The urethra is a narrow tube through which the urine flows from the urinary bladder and out of the penis. This thin tube runs through the prostate gland.
Why Do the Prostate Gland Increase in Size?
The prostate gland has two main growth phases. The first is induced by sex hormones secreted by the testicles during puberty. This causes the gland to gain an average weight of 20 grams in adulthood.
The second growth phase starts when men are in their 30s. It’s unclear why this happens. The prostate continues to grow with age until it weighs 40 grams when males reach their 70s.
Are Urinary Problems Linked with The Prostate Gland?
Many males undergo urinary changes with age, which may be due to the proliferation and inflammation of the prostate gland. It’s not always the case, though. The prostate gland doesn’t always cause urinary problems when it grows in size.
Urinary changes can also become painful for a variety of reasons. In rare cases, urinary problems can be symptoms of prostate cancer.
If you happen to be suffering from urinary issues involving pain during urination, blood in the urine, unable to urinate or urinate uncontrollably, see a urologist immediately.
Reasons for Urinary Problems In Males as They Age
Prostatitis: It is the enlargement or inflammation of the prostate gland. Many men face urinary disruptions as they get older, which may be the result of prostatitis.
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: Sometimes, bacterial infection causes inflammation of the prostate gland. The underlying causes for this bacterial growth within the prostate are not known. Antibiotics are needed to treat acute bacterial prostatitis. It’s pretty often to be admitted to the hospital. In the case of chronic bacterial prostatitis, a specific antibiotic course is to be followed for a long duration.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): It refers to the non-cancerous proliferation of the prostate gland. It can cause urinary problems in older males by blocking the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. The most prevalent symptom is urinary hesitation, i.e., having difficulty in emptying your urinary bladder. These symptoms have a tendency to cause discomfort and pain, eventually requiring treatment from a specialist.
Changes in the urinary bladder walls: Another reason for urinary difficulties can be alterations to the muscular lining of the bladder. These changes may lead to spasms or weakening of the bladder, resulting in problematic urination.
Not all urinary problems are caused by the altered structure of the prostate gland. Studies show that the size of a male’s prostate has little significance in determining the type and severity of urinary problems. Furthermore, some men possess enlarged prostate glands, yet they encounter little to no symptoms.
Symptoms of Urinary Problems Due to the Prostate Gland
- Urinary urgency – the urge to urinate can be so intense and abrupt that you may not be able to control it and pass out the urine before reaching the toilet.
- A constant need to urinate during night-time.
- Urinating more frequently during the day-time.
- Dissatisfaction after urination. Having a feeling that the bladder hasn’t emptied properly.
- Feeling the need to go to the toilet repeatedly shortly after urinating.
- Not enough pressure in the urine flow, which makes the urine stream difficult to direct accurately.
- Urination starts slowly. There is a lack of force in the urine stream.
- Urine dripping for some time after finishing urination.
Usually, these symptoms are not problematic and often don’t require treatment. But if they are causing you discomfort and pain, seek professional help as they can be treated with proper medication and care.
There are specific urinary symptoms that, if you have, need immediate medical attention:
- Unable to urinate
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Uncomfortable and painful urination
- Having constant or severe urinary urgency
- Any kind of unusual discharge from the penis
- Fever
- Pain in the lower back
- Painful groin
Diagnosis of the Enlarged Prostate and Urinary Difficulties
It’s essential to seek a doctor’s help if you have urinary issues regardless of your age. If your doctor approves that you need further examination and treatment, there are a few tests you may need to take:
- The general analysis involves examining your medical history and a survey of your health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, depression, obstructive sleep apnoea and erectile dysfunction.
- A rectal exam to measure the size and shape of your prostate gland.
- A urine test to check the state of your prostate gland.
- A flow-rate test provides data to estimate the pressure and speed by which the urine is excreted out.
- An ultrasound examination is required to check the urinary bladder and kidneys.
- Urodynamics is a series of urinary bladder tests to check if your excretory system is functioning correctly.
Treatment for the Affected Prostate and Urinary Difficulties
If your urinary problems are a result of an inflamed or infected prostate gland, then your treatment options may include:
- An extended antibiotic course in case of bacterial prostatitis. The course may consist of several weeks of specific antibacterial doses.
- Medication to ease urine flow and other urinary difficulties caused by an inflamed prostate.
- Surgical procedures including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), laser resection of the prostate (PVP or HoLEP), and open surgery prostatectomy.
- Removal of prostate tissue by aqua-ablation (using water-jets) or Rezum Treatment (using steam).
Help Yourself to Overcome Urinary Issues
You don’t need to see a doctor for mild urinary complications. If you’re experiencing simple urinary problems that are not too bothersome, then these tips can help you recover at home:
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks (coffee, caffeine-containing soft drinks and sodas), especially before going to bed.
- Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy carbs. Minimise the intake of pre-packaged and processed foods, particularly refined carbohydrates.
- Exercise! Workout routines designed for pelvic floor and bladder strengthening may help ease some urinary complications.
- Seek professional medical advice to plan out a healthy lifestyle for yourself.
