Rumbidzayi Zinyuke-Health Buzz
For many men, waking up several times during the night to pass urine becomes an accepted part of growing older.
It may take longer to start urinating, the stream may weaken, or they may still feel the need to go shortly after leaving the toilet.
These changes are easy to dismiss as a normal part of ageing.
Embarrassment may also prevent men from discussing them with anyone, including a health professional.
But for many, the bigger concern is the fear that urinary problems automatically mean prostate cancer. Rather than confront that fear, some men simply learn to live with the inconvenience.
However, urinary symptoms do not always point to cancer. In many cases, they may be caused by benign prostate enlargement, a common condition in older men that can disrupt sleep, interfere with daily routines and reduce quality of life.
Although the condition is not cancer, persistent symptoms should not be ignored, particularly when they interfere with everyday activities or make it difficult to empty the bladder.
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body. It produces fluid that forms part of semen.
As men age, the prostate may gradually enlarge, pressing against the urethra and restricting the flow of urine. This can make urination slower, more difficult or less complete.
Known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), benign prostate enlargement is common in older men. The enlargement itself is non-cancerous and does not mean a man will develop prostate cancer.
However, the two conditions can cause similar urinary symptoms, making medical assessment important.
It is more than an inconvenience!
And for some men, the effects extend well beyond the bathroom.
Repeated night-time trips can interrupt sleep, leaving them tired and less productive the following day. Long journeys become stressful when toilet stops must be planned, while meetings, church services and social gatherings may be disrupted by frequent urges to urinate.
Some men also reduce their fluid intake to avoid bathroom visits, particularly when travelling or working away from home. This is not a sensible long-term solution because adequate hydration remains important for general health.
The symptoms of benign prostate enlargement vary from person to person. Importantly, symptom severity does not always reflect the size of the prostate. Some men with relatively small enlargements experience considerable discomfort, while others with larger prostates may have few symptoms.
Men should, therefore, avoid diagnosing themselves based on urinary changes alone.
Knowing when to seek help is also important.
A doctor can review the symptoms, examine the patient’s medical history and determine whether further tests are necessary. Urinary tract infections, diabetes, certain medicines along with prostate cancer can all cause urinary problems.
Seeking medical advice is particularly important when symptoms persist, worsen or begin affecting sleep and daily activities. Early assessment can help identify the cause and establish an appropriate treatment plan.
The good news is that benign prostate enlargement can often be managed without surgery.
Men with mild symptoms that do not significantly affect their lives may be advised to monitor the condition and make practical changes to their routines. These can include reducing caffeine and alcohol, particularly in the evening, if these drinks worsen urinary frequency.
Limiting large amounts of fluid immediately before bedtime may also help, but men should continue drinking enough throughout the day. They should not drastically restrict fluids or stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.
Where symptoms are more troublesome, medication may improve urine flow and ease discomfort.
Surgery is generally considered when symptoms are moderate to severe and have not responded adequately to medication, or when complications make an operation necessary.
The key is not to wait until symptoms become unbearable. A medical assessment can help determine whether monitoring, medication or another treatment is appropriate.
Expert say although serious complications do not occur in every case, an enlarged prostate can sometimes prevent the bladder from emptying properly. This may increase the risk of urinary tract infections or, in severe cases, acute urinary retention.
Acute urinary retention occurs when a man suddenly becomes unable to pass urine despite having a full bladder. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Fever, chills, painful urination or blood in the urine also warrant prompt medical assessment.
It is also important for men to avoid relying on home remedies recommended by friends or purchasing prostate products without proper medical advice.
Because urinary symptoms can have several causes, and inappropriate treatment may delay the diagnosis of an underlying problem.
The challenge is to encourage men to treat prostate health as part of routine healthcare rather than something to discuss only when a crisis develops.
Ageing is inevitable, but living with discomfort in silence is not an unavoidable part of getting older. Men over 50 should pay attention to changes in their urinary habits, while younger men should also seek medical advice if they experience persistent or unusual symptoms.
There is no need to feel embarrassed about discussing any noticeable changes with a health professional. These are medical concerns that doctors are trained to assess.
A conversation with a health professional can help distinguish benign prostate enlargement from other conditions, identify complications early and determine the most suitable treatment.
For many, taking that first step could mean better sleep, greater confidence and an improved quality of life.
Feedback: [email protected]
