I recently had my prostate examined, and the doctor told me that it was enlarged, but at this point not enough to need to do something about it (They told me that it was approximately double the normal size!)

I got the message that it was not a question about having to do something about it, but more of when. When I asked, when they thought this would be the right time, I was told, that when it becomes a problem

My question is, when do you consider a prostate enlargement, a problem. Sure peeing more often, and it taking longer time, is an inconvenience but not a problem as such.

What are your suggestions?

  • BananaTrifleViolin@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    5 months ago

    Peeing more often will become a problem over time as essentially you’re not emptying your bladder completely each time.

    If you’re prostate is enlarged then the first step is lifestyle changes to mitigate against the enlargement. That includes drinking less alcohol and less before bed, but also importantly losing weight if over weight and improving your diet to try and slow the increase in size. The evidence isn’t great on preventing enlargement but prostate enlargement is associated with being overweight and poor diet.

    Medication becomes needed if you start getting more severe symptoms. You could choose to take these earlier but they have side effects.

    Finally if all else fails then surgery is needed to debulk the prostate. That is worth avoiding as much as possible due to the side effects - so lifestyle changes and earlier use of medication when it becomes needed are the best wya forward.