Many men over 50 get used to getting up at night to urinate, or to a weak stream that takes time to start. It’s a normal part of aging so most people turn a blind eye. The problem is that the prostate is located just below the bladder and when it expands, it can affect organs far beyond its borders.
What an enlarged prostate does to the bladder
The prostate is a gland that surrounds the tube of urine that passes through (the urethra. When the gland swells, it presses against this tube. The bladder has to work harder to empty itself, and its muscle wall gets thicker and irritable over time. This is the reason why men feel a sudden urgency, go again in small amounts, or feel that the bladder never empties itself completely. Leaving urine behind can cause infections and even bladder stones.
When the kidney is involved
If the blockage has been there for a long time, pressure builds in the bladder and works its way back to the kidneys. Doctors call this back pressure. It can cause the kidneys to swell up (hydronephrosis) and over time impair their ability to filter blood. The damage is often done quietly and without much pain, and that is what makes it dangerous.
Things you should look out for
Look for a slow or interrupted stream, a feeling of incomplete emptying, burning during urination, blood in urine, or sudden inability to pass urine. Kidney problems can also be indicated by swollen legs or persistent fatigue. A thorough check-up with a urologist in Indore may consist of a basic ultrasound, a urine test and a blood test to check the kidney function, which collectively shows how much your system is affected by the prostate.
Treatment options
The good news is that most cases respond well if caught early. Mild enlargement is often treated with medicines that either relax the prostate or shrink it. If symptoms are severe or complications have begun, minimally invasive procedures can remove the tissue blocking the ureter. The treatment for prostate in Indore depends on the size of the gland, your age, other health conditions and how your bladder and kidneys are working.
An enlarged prostate is a common problem that can be treated, but if ignored, it can silently damage the bladder and kidneys. Don’t wait for suffering. Getting evaluated sooner rather than later protects your comfort today and your kidney health down the road.
