A smaller prostate is a healthy prostate. While a man’s prostate continues to grow into adulthood, minimizing that growth will help a man to avoid BPH and Prostatitis as he ages. Enlargement of the gland can lead to various urological disorders, such as inflammation and weakening of the bladder. Although few men die from enlarged prostates, the condition can advance to the point where it closes off the urethra completely, which can lead to a life-threatening situation. This kind of advanced prostate disease is said to have partially caused the death of Thomas Jefferson.

You may first notice the symptoms of BPH yourself, or your doctor may find that your prostate is enlarged during a routine check-up. At this point, your doctor may refer you to a urologist, who specializes in problems of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Several tests help to identify the problem and decide whether surgery is necessary.

The symptoms of BPH often stem from obstruction of the urethra and gradual loss of bladder function. While the symptoms vary, they most commonly involve problems in urination, such as a hesitant, interrupted, or weak stream. Further symptoms include urgency and leaking, as well as more frequent urination, especially at night. The size of the prostate does not always determine how severe the obstruction or the symptoms will be. Some men with greatly enlarged glands have little obstruction and few symptoms while others with less enlargement experience more blockage and greater problems.

Occasionally, a man may not know he has any obstruction until he suddenly finds himself unable to urinate at all. This condition, called acute urinary retention, may be triggered by taking over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines. Such medicines contain a decongestant drug called a sympathomimetic with a potential side effect of preventing the bladder opening from relaxing and allowing urine to empty. When partial obstruction is present, urinary retention also can be brought on by alcohol, cold temperatures, or prolonged periods of remaining stationary.

It is important to tell your doctor about any urinary problems, such as those described above. In 8 out of 10 cases, the above symptoms suggest BPH, but they might also indicate other more serious conditions which require immediate treatment. The only way to know the nature of your condition is by the results of a doctor’s examination and testing.

Severe BPH can cause serious problems over time, so it is important to consult your physician at the first sign of trouble. Urine retention and strain on the bladder can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and incontinence. If the bladder is permanently damaged, treatment for BPH may be ineffective. When detected at an earlier stage, BPH is more manageable and there is a lower risk of developing complications.

Maintaining a healthy prostate is vital to any man’s continuing quality of life as he ages. Diseases of the prostate affect over half of all men over the age of 60 and 9 out of every 10 men over the age of 70. This translates into over 9 million American men over the age of 50 who suffer from potentially debilitating prostate conditions. In 2002 alone, 189,000 men received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, while 30,000 men died from the disease.

While it is yet unclear what causes prostate cancer, other conditions arise from a variety of hormonal, nutritional, and lifestyle factors. For example, the average North American diet is deficient in essential fatty acids, minerals like Zinc, and vitamins like C, E and B6, all of which are important factors in prostate health.