Groin Pain and Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement is typical in almost all men as they age, but it becomes a problem when the prostate enlarges enough to put pressure on the urethra and cause bladder problems or reduce the flow of urine.

Having an enlarged prostate does not raise the risk a man will get prostate cancer.

Causes

Doctors have not yet determined the reasons a prostate becomes enlarged. The testicles may play a role, but it is not known how.

When the testicles are removed after a man develops benign prostatic hyperplasia, the prostate begins to shrink. Men who have had testicular cancer, requiring removal of the testicles do not develop enlarged prostates.

Symptoms

As mentioned above, the prostate gland enlarges with age in most men. But less than 50 percent of all men who have BPH will experience symptoms.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include

• Dribbling after urination
• The bladder does not empty completely during urination
• There may be incontinence
• A need to urinate two or more times per night
• Painful or blood-tinged urination, which could also indicate infection.
• A delay in starting urination
• Straining to urinate
• An intense, sudden urge to urinate
• Inability to urinate
• A weak urine stream

Treatment

The severity of the symptoms, and their effect on everyday life, generally determines the best course of treatment.

Lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery are the most common options..

A yearly exam is recommended, especially for men over 60.