Recognizing Your Partner's Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement

Is the man in your life making frequent trips to the bathroom during the night?

Is he enjoying social activities less because he always has to be near a bathroom?

Has he complained about weak urine flow or difficulty in starting urination?

If your partner is over the age of 50, these symptoms may indicate that he has a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate known as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Although BPH is easily treatable, many men are unaware that treatment is available.

When your partner complains of urinary difficulties (such as frequent urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder, a weak urine stream or difficulty starting urination) or if you notice changes in urinary patterns, encourage him to make a doctor's appointment. Medications are available that, in some cases, could begin to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of prostate enlargement within four to eight hours.

The good news is that, in general, BPH does not cause erectile dysfunction and does not diminish your partner's sex drive. The reality may also be that the uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms of an enlarged prostate may not put your partner in a romantic mood. Having the sudden, urgent need to urinate can be a distraction.

When BPH symptoms affect your partner's lifestyle, the quality of your life also may be affected. What fun is it to go to a movie, if he feels embarrassed by the need to find the bathroom a couple of times during the show? Why go on a leisurely ride through the countryside if you both get annoyed by the constant need to be on the lookout for a rest stop? Why have friends over if a lack of sleep caused by repeated nighttime trips to the bathroom makes him grumpy, or if concern about his urinary problems makes it difficult for him to concentrate on the conversation?

BPH does not need to cause disruptions in your partner's quality of life or affect your lifestyle. The symptoms of an enlarged prostate can usually be treated quickly and effectively with medications that reduce the pressure of the prostate on the urinary system. Once that pressure is reduced, BPH symptoms may improve. That's why you should encourage your partner to see a physician.

Things Every Woman Should Know about BPH
 
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An enlarged prostate is the most common prostate health problem among men, usually affecting men over 50
 
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BPH is a condition associated with aging, probably due to hormonal changes
 
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By about age 50, about half of all men have begun to develop an enlarged prostate
 
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For men over 50, prostate enlargement is likely to continue through the rest of their lives
 
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BPH symptoms occur when the enlarged presses against the urethra, the tube that carries urine away from the bladder
 
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As the prostate slowly continues to enlarge, symptoms may gradually worsen, interfering with sleep, physical comfort, and routine activities
 
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BPH symptoms vary with the individual. Some men with BPH experience an urgent need to urinate, while others may have difficulty starting
 
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In most men, BPH symptoms can be effectively managed with medication
 
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If left untreated, BPH may eventually curtail or slow down a man’s activities and interfere with his lifestyle – and could lead to more serious medical complications requiring surgery
 
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BPH is a non-cancerous condition. There is no known link between BPH and prostate cancer
Please note: Men's Health Network does not provide medical services. Rather, this information is provided to encourage you to begin a knowledgeable dialogue with your physician. Check with your health care provider about your need for specific health screenings.
©2005 Men's Health Network