BENIGN PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT

SYMPTOMS

An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the bladder and the urethra.

You may experience the following symptoms if you have an enlarged prostate:

•  Urinary continence
• Having trouble emptying your bladder
•  The need to pee frequently
•  Having problems with starting to pee
• Weak flow of urine

If you experience the following symptoms, you must consult your doctor. Symptoms that are not severe must still be investigated to prevent future problems.

TYPES

Other common types of leg ulcer include:

• Arterial leg ulcers
• Diabetic leg ulcers
• Malignant leg ulcers
• Traumatic leg ulcers
• Vasculitic leg ulcers

Ulcers in the foot are usually caused by diabetes.

SYMPTOMS

Itching, pain, and swelling in the affected leg are characteristic symptoms of a venous leg ulcer.

Discoloration, hardening of the skin around the ulcer, and presence of a foul-smelling discharge may also be present when you have a venous leg ulcer.

If you have a venous leg ulcer, you may exhibit the following conditions:

• discoloration and darkening of the skin around the ulcer
• swollen ankles
• red, flaky, scaly and itchy skin on your legs
• swollen and enlarged veins on your legs
• hardened skin around the ulcer, which may make your leg feel hard
• a heavy feeling in your legs
• an unpleasant and foul-smelling discharge from the ulcer
• aching or swelling in your legs

Signs of an infection

Opportunistic pathogens could cause secondary bacterial infections due to the ulcer. 

Symptoms of an infected leg ulcer may include:

• a green or unpleasant discharge coming from the ulcer
• fever
• redness and swelling of the skin around the ulcer
• worsening pain
• an unpleasant smell coming from the ulcer

DIAGNOSIS

Your physician might require you to undergo several examinations to determine if you have an enlarged prostate. He will also ask you about your symptoms and how it affects your daily life.

Common types of tests that your physician would require includes:

• Urine test to test your sugar levels and to know whether you have diabetes or an infection
• Physical exam to examine your stomach and genital areas
• Blood tests to check if your kidneys are working properly

Additional examinations may be required to rule out the possibility of prostate cancer.

TREATMENT

Treatments depend on the severity of the symptoms.

Some lifestyle changes may help treat persons with an enlarged prostate:

• Eating more fruits and fiber
• Regular exercise
• Minimal intake of alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners
• Drinking less in the evening
• Using absorbent pads and pants
• Bladder training

For moderate to severe symptoms of prostate enlargement, your physician may require the use of medicines, like anticholinergics, diuretics, desmopressin, and alpha-blockers. Catheters may also be used for persons with chronic urine retention conditions.

Surgery isn’t always required for urinary symptoms. However, if other treatments haven’t worked, surgery needs to be performed.