WEBVTT

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A man’s prostatic gland
is also known as the prostate.

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It is located directly below the bladder

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and surrounds part of the urethra.

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The prostate consists
of many smaller glands

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and produces some of a man’s sperm.

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It is normal for the prostate
to grow with age.

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However, in some men it gets too big.

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This is usually harmless

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but benign prostate enlargement

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can have adverse symptoms

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if it presses on the bladder and urethra.

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The typical symptoms
of benign prostate enlargement

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are most common
in people over the age of 50:

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• A frequent, strong need to pass urine
can occur, particularly at night.

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• It can take longer to start urinating.

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• The urine stream
can be weaker than previously.

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• Urinating can take longer
than it used to.

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• Dribbling may occur after urinating.

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• The bladder may feel like
it is never truly empty after urinating.

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Benign enlargement can severely affect
a person’s quality of life

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or be barely noticeable.

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Whether and how
a prostate enlargement is treated

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therefore depends on
the individual symptoms.

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If treated with drugs,
tamsulosin is often used.

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This relaxes the prostate
and bladder muscles

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making it easier to urinate.

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During surgery, prostate tissue
can be removed or destroyed

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to reduce the size of the prostate.

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Careful consideration is required
before surgery though

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as it can lead to long-term complications.

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If a benign prostate enlargement

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only causes minor problems, it can suffice

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to control the symptoms
by changing a few habits.

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• Spread out fluid intake:

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people should naturally
drink enough each day

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but the amount should be evenly spread out
throughout the day,

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with less drunk in the evening.

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This can reduce the urge
to urinate during the night.

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• Only consume dehydrating
or diuretic beverages

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like alcohol or caffeinated drinks
in moderation.

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• Take time when urinating:

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this gives the bladder
the extra time it needs

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to empty itself as fully as possible.

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If necessary, wait a moment
after urinating for the first time

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then try again.

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• Train the bladder capacity

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by regularly delaying going to the bathroom
by a few minutes.

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• Check prescribed medication
with your doctor

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and discuss possible alternatives.

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For example, certain drugs
for treating high blood pressure

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can increase the need to urinate.

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In such cases, it is worth
considering different medication

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if there is no medical reason not to.

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In short:

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Benign prostate enlargement
is usually harmless

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but can involve adverse symptoms.

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Whether and how
a prostate enlargement is treated

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depends on the individual symptoms.

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Doctors can treat the symptoms with drugs

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to relax the prostate and bladder muscles,
for example.

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If a benign prostate enlargement
only causes minor problems,

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it can suffice to control the symptoms

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by changing a few everyday habits.