Many men are aware of the risk of prostate cancer, but did you know that the prostate can cause urinary issues even when there is no risk of cancer? Most men take the prostate for granted, if they even think about it at all, but the prostate can become inflamed or enlarged, causing a variety of urinary issues that are very treatable. Here’s what you need to know.
Urinary Changes with Age
The prostate naturally changes over time. As it goes through these changes, changes in urinary function are normal. Some men experience minor changes to their urinary habits, but other men may experience some severe symptoms that are uncomfortable or embarrassing. The first urinary changes are in puberty, but the prostate begins to enlarge again in your mid-30s and continues to enlarge until about age 70. With these enlargements, urinary changes can occur.
Types of Urinary Changes
Not all urinary changes are the result of an enlarged or inflamed prostate. These urinary symptoms may or may not be due to your prostate, but it is a good idea to schedule an appointment to learn the cause of your urinary changes. Common urinary changes related to the prostate include:
- Frequent urination
- Sudden need to urinate
- Urine stream is slow to start
- Dribbling urine after using the toilet
- No force to the urine flow
- Needing to go again soon after urination
If you have these or other symptoms of urinary issues, it is important to have a conversation with your doctor. If these problems are caused by an enlarged or inflamed prostate, there are several available treatments to correct the problem. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
