|
These changes, or an infection, can cause problems passing urine. Sometimes men in their 30s and 40s may begin to have these urinary symptoms and need medical attention. For others, symptoms aren't noticed until much later in life. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any urinary symptoms.
- Tell your doctor if you:
ˇ Are passing urine more during the day
ˇ Have an urgent need to pass urine
ˇ Have less urine flow
ˇ Feel burning when you pass urine
ˇ Need to get up many times during the night to pass urine
|
What prostate changes should you be aware of?
Growing older raises your risk of prostate problems. The three most common prostate problems are:
ˇ Infection (prostatitis) (Inflammation of the prostate gland).
ˇ Enlarged prostate ( BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia) BPH. A benign (noncancerous) condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine. Also called benign prostatic hypertrophy.
ˇ Prostate cancer
One change does not lead to another. For example, having prostatitis or an enlarged prostate does not raise your chance of prostate cancer. It is also possible for you to have more than one condition at the same time.
|
Most men have prostate changes that are not cancer.
|
What are common tests for prostate changes?
Abnormal findings from any of these tests can help diagnose a problem and suggest the next steps to take:
ˇ DRE (digital rectal exam)--a test to feel the prostate
ˇ PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test--a blood test
ˇ Biopsy--a test to check for cancer
|
