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Prostate urologist explains the prostate enlargement
Approximately one in two men over the age of 50 and almost everyone over the age of 80 suffers from prostate enlargement. However, the benign enlargement of the prostate gland usually sets in from the age of 30 years. This change is a natural process. About one in five sufferers have to undergo treatment. Without exception everyone should be examined once a year. Dr. Reinhold Schaefer, urologist and medical director of the medical network Uro-GmbH Nordrhein answers the most important questions:
What problems can an enlarged prostate make?
"Unlike prostate cancer, which occurs predominantly in the outer area of the prostate, enlargement mainly develops in the inner zone. Proximity to the urethra can lead to constrictions - associated with varying degrees of urinary problems. "
When the prostate is enlarged, it can cause a variety of problems. (Image: bilderzwerg / fotolia.com) What symptoms indicate a prostate enlargement?
"Affected people often notice that the stream of urine is weakening, starting urine problems occur, and several attempts are needed to empty the bladder completely. Further signs of enlargement include increased pressure during urination, increasingly frequent toilet trips or dripping urine. "
What are the consequences??
"An enlarged prostate sometimes leads to increased residual urine formation. Remains urine in the bladder, in turn settle easily germs and the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney stones increases. In the worst case, the prostate enlarges so much that it comes to the urine storm, which can also damage kidneys. "
How often should men take precautions?
"The precautionary program of the statutory health insurance plans provides for a prostate examination once a year for men over the age of 45 in Germany. Going to the specialist is important for the sole purpose of differentiating the benign disease from a possible prostate cancer. "
And what does the urologist do??
"In addition to a detailed history, the doctor also performs a physical examination of the rectum to diagnose an enlarged prostate gland. Accompanying urine and blood tests indicate signs of kidney function and possible bacterial infections. Urinary jet measurements, ultrasound examinations and the determination of the PSA value are further important components. "
Is it possible to perform the PSA test at the family doctor??
"The test results are individual and vary from person to person. Therefore, it is important that we collect the PAS value every year using the same method of determination. So we have comparative data that we can interpret better. The examination should be made only by the urologist. Similar to the evaluations in specialized breast centers, which perform mammograms and ultrasounds in women and can assess the results well, the correct interpretation of all values requires a great deal of experience. "
What does the therapy look like??
"If patients find the disturbances caused by the enlargement of the prostate scarcely disturbing, an annual check is sufficient. If the quality of life is significantly reduced, the urologist initiates a therapy. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, other illnesses and patient wishes, drug or surgical therapies are used. Often, however, an enlarged prostate presents no problems. If surgery is required, symptoms will be significantly reduced in most patients. "(Pm)