Men who are age 50 or older have at least a 50 percent chance of developing enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. But a wide variety of non-surgical options are available for men dealing with this condition.
When the prostate grows, it puts undue pressure on both the bladder and the urethra. Symptoms of enlarged prostate may include frequent and urgent urination, particularly at night, pain with urination and a weak or interrupted urine stream.
"The symptoms are the same as those for prostate cancer, but the conditions are not related," said Dr. Misop Han, assistant professor of urology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.
"While the symptoms are similar, enlarged prostate is not life threatening and does not put you at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer," said Han, who spoke at the American Medical Association's 24th annual Science Reporter's Conference.
Medication is the most common form of enlarged prostate treatment; alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are often used in combination to shrink the prostate and alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms. Surgery is considered only when the maximum level of medication proves unsuccessful in reducing symptoms.
Men over 50 are encouraged to have an annual physical that includes a prostate exam. For more information, visit the American Medical Association's Web site at www.ama-assn.org. -NU |
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