1. What are the symptoms of prostate enlargement?
Prostate enlargement usually occurs in men above 50 years of age. The symptoms of prostate enlargement include:
- Hesitation before beginning to urinate
- Weak urinary stream
- Interruptions in the urinary stream
- Urine dribbles out at the end of urination
- A feeling that the bladder still full after urinating
- An urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination, especially at night
2. Does the enlarged prostate turn into cancer later on?
Prostate enlargement and prostate cancer are two different diseases that occur in men above 50 years of age. The enlarged prostate tissue does not turn cancerous. However prostate cancer can occur regardless of whether the prostate is enlarged or not.
3. When do I need to see a doctor to check my prostate?
If you are 50 years of age and above, you can consider seeing your doctor to get your prostate checked, especially if you have symptoms of prostate enlargement.
4. Do I have to take prostate medication for life?
Prostate medications help to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms caused by the enlarged prostate, as well as prevent the condition from getting worse. They should be taken long-term, just like medication for other diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. It is likely that the symptoms will recur if medication is discontinued.
5. Should I go for surgery instead?
Most patients with prostate enlargement do not need to go for surgery. However surgery to remove the prostate tissue can be considered if the medications are not working well. Surgery is advised if the prostate enlargement is severe enough to cause problems such as retention of urine, bladder stones, recurrent urinary tract infections or kidney damage.
