After 60, the Prostate Grows. How Should You Manage It?
Waking two or three times a night to urinate. A weaker stream. Feeling unfinished even after going. A sudden, urgent need to find a bathroom. Many men endure this as just part of aging. But the most common cause of these changes is an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland below the bladder, wrapped around the urethra. Growing larger with age is a natural change: reports find enlargement in about half of men in their fifties and up to 90% of men over eighty. When the enlarged gland presses on the urethra, urine does not flow as well. One thing to make clear first: an enlarged prostate is a benign condition, different from prostate cancer. But because the symptoms overlap, new urinary symptoms should be checked. Start with daily habits When symptoms are mild, habits alone often help. One — drink less in the evening. Cutting back on fluids two to three hours before bed can reduce nighttime trips. Drink enough during the day. Two — cut back on caffeine and alcohol...