Signs of Possible Prostate Trouble

The prostate is well positioned to pile on this kind of pressure. Nestling at the base of the bladder, the prostate encircles the urethra, the tube leading from the bladder. Prostate gland enlargement squeezes the urethra, blocking the flow of urine and creating a list of symptoms.

Here are the signs of possible prostate trouble:

1. Coaxing, waiting-it takes awhile to get the stream started.
2. Weak flow, some stopping and starting – the flow is not very strong, drying and starting up again on its own, a condition known as intermittency.
3. Dribbling – at the end of urination, a little involuntary flow continues.
4. Frequency – the need to urinate often, even shortly after urinating, especially at night when it is known as nocturia.
5. Lack of relief – often the bladder feels unemptied as urination fails to bring complete relief.
6. Urgency – the need to urinate is strong, particularly at night.
7. Swollen bladder – often noticeable when it causes abdominal swelling.
8. Burning sensation – on urination – this can be a sign of infection, often stemming from prostate-caused bladder restriction.

Half of all men in the U.S over the age of 40 will experience prostate enlargement. In some men it goes virtually unnoticed, and in others it causes some or all of the above listed problems.

Aside from urinary problems, enlargement of prostate gland is usually pain-free. However, there are few other symptoms that can indicate prostate problems that every men should be aware of.

If the prostate itself becomes inflamed, it can cause a dull, constant ache between the anus and the back of the scrotum. Pain can also radiate to the groin, the back and legs.

Prostate blockage can cause infection in the urinary tract. The infection can be carried to a kidney, which will cause pain in one side of the back below the lower kidneys. Pain from a kidney infection can also be felt in the testicle on the same side. Painful testicle infection itself can occur when infection travels from the prostate gland.

Prostate or bladder infection can cause pain in the lower abdomen. Most lower abdominal pain associated with the prostate gland occurs with retention of urine. The bladder becomes overfull and painfully dissented over the course of a few days.

Blood at the beginning or end of the urinary stream is often due to problems with the prostate or urethra. Conditions arising with the kidneys or bladder tend to cause blood in the entire urinary stream. Blood is also sometimes seen in semen and usually stems from infection of the seminal vesicles or of the prostate. Always seek medical advice for these sorts of symptoms as soon as possible. A good doctor will investigate possible prostatic origins as an underlying cause.