I recently had my prostate examined, and the doctor told me that it was enlarged, but at this point not enough to need to do something about it (They told me that it was approximately double the normal size!)

I got the message that it was not a question about having to do something about it, but more of when. When I asked, when they thought this would be the right time, I was told, that when it becomes a problem

My question is, when do you consider a prostate enlargement, a problem. Sure peeing more often, and it taking longer time, is an inconvenience but not a problem as such.

What are your suggestions?

  • BananaTrifleViolin@lemmy.worldEnglish
    18·
    7 months ago

    Peeing more often will become a problem over time as essentially you’re not emptying your bladder completely each time.

    If you’re prostate is enlarged then the first step is lifestyle changes to mitigate against the enlargement. That includes drinking less alcohol and less before bed, but also importantly losing weight if over weight and improving your diet to try and slow the increase in size. The evidence isn’t great on preventing enlargement but prostate enlargement is associated with being overweight and poor diet.

    Medication becomes needed if you start getting more severe symptoms. You could choose to take these earlier but they have side effects.

    Finally if all else fails then surgery is needed to debulk the prostate. That is worth avoiding as much as possible due to the side effects - so lifestyle changes and earlier use of medication when it becomes needed are the best wya forward.

    • cosmicrookie@lemmy.worldOP
      4·
      7 months ago

      awesome thanks! Yeah they did check that my bladder does not empty completely. I have aprox 100ml left. I don’t drink much alcohol, am not fat but could probably improve diet. It’s strange that the doctor has not mentioned any of this, but maybe they compare to more severe cases and think that this is nothing important.

      At the moment I “only” need to get up once or twice a night. That i think is manageable and only a minor inconvenience

      • Mycatiskai@lemmy.ca
        4·
        7 months ago

        If you find your sleep is broken and nocturia is not your only symptom, look into sleep apnea symptoms.

        I never had the getting up to pee issue before or after diagnosis but I had many more signs of sleep issues.

        • cosmicrookie@lemmy.worldOP
          3·
          7 months ago

          Interesting

          I work 24 hour shifts where being woken up at night is part of my work. This also somewhat messes with my sleep off work so its hard to tell what is what

            • cosmicrookie@lemmy.worldOP
              4·
              7 months ago

              No, but I work for a person with a disability. We can rest during the night, but need to assist with some minor things through out the night. It still messes up your sleep quite a lot, but I can usually get back into be withing 5-10 minutes. I feel privileged to get paid for sleeping, doing house chores, go to the movies a few times a week, play board games and even travel during vacations

                • cosmicrookie@lemmy.worldOP
                  3·
                  7 months ago

                  it does doesn’t it!? Still looking for a new job though LOL. As good as it sounds, my boss is the person that I assist. Such a young boss, with no leadership experience (or even will to be in a leading position), let alone lack of work or life experience, makes for a pretty tough work place. Basically a youngster who can have what they want 24/7 and who can fire you if they don’t

                  It’s just too risky for me really

      • oldfart@lemm.ee
        1·
        7 months ago

        Go to another doctor. I’m about the same level of prostate problems and I’m on pills and urologist checkups every 4 months.