Many men develop an enlarged prostate as they age, but getting a diagnosis can take time. The more vigilant you are about the symptoms, the more likely you are to get treatment early. If you have any of these signs of an enlarged prostate, make an appointment with a urologist for treatment and to rule out conditions like prostate cancer.

Urination Difficulties

An enlarged prostate can interfere with urine flow by pressing against the urethra. This pressure makes it difficult for urine to move from your bladder out of your body. Initially, you may find that you struggle to begin urinating, and with time, you may find urination is completely restricted. Talk to a urologist if you are having difficulty urinating, because urine retention can lead to dangerous bladder swelling. Other urination problems that are associated with an enlarged prostate include a weak urine stream and nocturia—a condition with which you wake up two or more times per night to urinate.

Urinary Tract Infections

When you are unable to sufficiently empty your bladder, bacteria build up in your system, which can cause a urinary tract infection, or UTI. Having a UTI will exacerbate the other symptoms of an enlarged prostate and cause painful urination. You may also notice blood in your urine or that your urine is cloudy. UTIs can be treated by your urologist with antibiotics.

Bladder Stones

Failing to empty your bladder can also allow minerals in your urine to form crystals called bladder stones. Bladder stones can cause extreme pain and further interfere with your ability to urinate. If you have a small stone, you may be able to flush it out of your system by drinking plenty of water. Your urologist may need to prescribe additional treatments if your stone is large.

The specialists at Urology Associates, P.C. can help you find relief from your enlarged prostate symptoms, including non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures. To make an appointment with a urologist in Nashville, call us today at (888) 329-7700.

Prostatitis is a general term that describes the inflammation of the prostate gland. As a result of inflammation, men may experience painful urination and ejaculation, and/or increased urgency and frequency of urination. Without treatment these symptoms may become chronic and recurring, so it is important to speak with a doctor when symptoms are present.

In some cases, prostatitis may be the result of a bacterial infection, though there may be other causes such as parasites, chemical irritation, or nerve damage in the lower urinary tract. An estimated 50% of men will experience prostatitis in their lifetimes, and this condition is a leading cause of visits to the urologist among young and middle-aged men.

Under the care of Urology Associates P.C., you can find treatment for your prostate-related symptoms along with treatment for a number of other conditions affecting the genitourinary system. You can schedule a consultation with any member of our team of 34 Nashville urologists listed on our website or at (888) 329-7700.