What Increases the Risk of Having an Enlarged Prostate
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Loading ...Men, in more instances than women, fail to recognize the signs and symptoms from their body that signal that there may be something gone awry, as if they ignore it, the problem never existed at all, or will ultimately go away. However, ignoring symptoms, can at times mean the difference between life and death. An enlarged prostate, if left untreated, can develop into prostate cancer. By recognizing the signs, steps can be made to stop the disease before it progresses.
Many times, symptoms of an enlarged prostate are not apparent on younger men; however, there are symptoms that can signal a problem. They include: (1) a weak urine stream or starting or stopping while urinating; (2) difficulty in attempting to urinate; (3) post-urination dribbling; (4) the sensation of not being finished after urinating; (5) incontinence or leakage of urine from bladder; and (6) frequent or urgent need to urinate, especially at night.
Although not necessarily a symptom, obesity can signal a greater problem and if left unattended, can progress into prostate cancer.
In a study published in the journal, Cancer, stated that the higher a body mass index and weight gain in adulthood, the greater the risk of death from prostate cancer. This study did not reveal any conclusions that obesity was linked to enlarged prostate. We are becoming a fat society. The study went on to state that there was a 20% increase in obesity in the United States since 1985.
In addition to contributing to the increased incidence of an enlarged prostate, obesity can lead to heart disease, gallbladder disease, diabetes and stroke.
Not only are there factors that can lead to the risk of an enlarged prostate, an enlarged prostate can lead to urinary tract infections. Other risk factors include an uncircumcised penis, engaging in anal intercourse; unprotected sex with a woman who has been diagnosed with a vaginal infection and anyone who has been diagnosed with HIV. Another factor to be mindful of is not getting the requisite number of fluids. When we drink more fluid, namely water, we tend to have to urinate more frequently, thereby reducing the bacteria found in the urinary tract and bladder. When a catheter has been put in place for any reason, bacteria can enter the tube and start an infection. Kidney stones and diabetes can also develop from an enlarged prostate.
Our bodies are well-oiled machines and will start to “sputter” when it needs to be given a checkup. When we choose to ignore these maintenance signs, the attendant problems can turn into something that may have significant health consequences.
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Tags: Enlarged Prostate, post-urination dribbling; incontinence, Prostate Cancer, risk factors, urination
Enlarged Prostate