About Enlarged Prostate
The type of treatment needed for prostate enlargement depends on the severity of the signs and symptoms being experienced. Bleeding from the urinary system, serious or frequent urine infections that can cause more lasting damage, discomfort or lifestyle problems may all indicate that active medical intervention is required.

Causes for Enlarged Prostate
The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and the testicles themselves may play a role in the growth of the gland. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.

Similarly, if the testicles are removed after a man develops BPH, the prostate begins to shrink in size.

Some facts about prostate enlargement:
* The likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age.
* BPH is so common that it has been said all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough.
* A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40 and more than 90% of men over age 80.
* No risk factors have been identified other than having normally functioning testicles.

Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
Less than half of all men with BPH have symptoms of the disease, which include:

* Dribbling at the end of urinating
* Inability to urinate (urinary retention)
* Incomplete emptying of your bladder
* Incontinence
* Needing to urinate two or more times per night
* Pain with urination or bloody urine (these may indicate infection)
* Slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream
* Straining to urinate
* Strong and sudden urge to urinate
* Weak urine stream

Treatment
The choice of a treatment is based on the severity of your symptoms, the extent to which they affect your daily life, and the presence of any other medical conditions. Treatment options include "watchful waiting," lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.

If you are over 60, you are more likely to have symptoms. But many men with an enlarged prostate have only minor symptoms. Self-care steps are often enough to make you feel better.

If you have BPH, you should have a yearly exam to monitor the progression of your symptoms and determine if any changes in treatment are necessary.

SELF-CARE
For mild symptoms:

* Urinate when you first get the urge. Also, go to the bathroom when you have the chance, even if you don't feel a need to urinate.
* Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially after dinner.
* Don't drink a lot of fluid all at once. Spread out fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinking fluids within 2 hours of bedtime.
* Try NOT to take over-the-counter cold and sinus medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms.
* Keep warm and exercise regularly. Cold weather and lack of physical activity may worsen symptoms.
* Learn and perform Kegel exercises (pelvic strengthening exercises).
* Reduce stress. Nervousness and tension can lead to more frequent urination.
 

  Keep warm and exercise regularly

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