With age, the prostate gland enlarges in some men, leading to a range of urination issues. The symptoms, such as difficulty urinating, weak stream, or sudden urge to urinate, can be uncomfortable, but they don’t always mean the condition is dangerous.

When Is an Enlarged Prostate Dangerous?

Many men develop an enlarged prostate as they age. According to Harvard Health Publishing, 50% of men aged 60 have an enlarged prostate, while the percentage spikes to a whopping 90% in men above 85. When the prostate becomes enlarged, it might partially block the urethra.

Also called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, an enlarged prostate may not always be dangerous, but complications can arise in certain cases. Here’s all you should know about when you need treatment for enlarged prostate (BPH) in Kolhapur.

Enlarged Prostate in Men: What Is It?

A prostate is a walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder and is responsible for making fluid that nourishes and transports men’s sperm. Urethra, a thin tube that carries urine and semen out of the man’s body, passes through the center of the prostate. Since this gland surrounds the urethra, any enlargement of the prostate can directly affect urination. 

The term “Benign” means not cancerous. Although BPH doesn’t mean prostate cancer, nor does it raise a person’s risk of developing prostate cancer, both can co-exist. Many men live a normal, meaningful life with an enlarged prostate, but if it starts squeezing the urethra or affects other parts of the urinary tract, treatment may be necessary. 

Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate

Some common BPH symptoms are:

• Straining to start a urine stream
• Feeling that the bladder hasn’t emptied completely
• Pain when urinating
• Waking frequently at night to urinate
• A sudden urge to urinate
• A weak urine flow
• An urge to urinate again right after using the restroom
• Frequent urination

The symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they don’t always mean the condition is dangerous. A urologist at WIINS Hospital in Kolhapur recommends medical intervention if they believe the condition is progressing or affecting your kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract.

Danger Signs of an Enlarged Prostate: When You Shouldn’t Wait

Here’s when immediate medical attention is needed:

Acute Urinary Retention: A serious complication of an enlarged prostate is when the urethra is completely blocked. This prevents the urine from leaving your body despite your constant attempts to urinate. As a result, the bladder swells, and the pressure might build up in your urinary tract

Blood in the Urine: If you notice blood in the urine, seek immediate medical care. It can be a sign of infections, bladder stones, kidney stones, or even cancer.

Incomplete Bladder Emptying: Sometimes, you can urinate, but pass only a small amount of urine at each visit. This leads to incomplete emptying of the bladder. Over time, chronic urinary retention can weaken your bladder muscles, affecting their ability to contract. 

Frequent Urinary Tract Infections: When urine doesn’t leave the bladder, it creates an ideal environment for the bacteria to grow and multiply, increasing the risk of UTI.

Many men have a symptomatic enlarged prostate. Sometimes, the symptoms are much more than a minor inconvenience. It starts affecting the patient’s emotional health, as well. Lack of sleep, discomfort, and embarrassment in front of people can all affect their social life, which is why early intervention is necessary.