Arghh ... the dreaded onset of urological problems as I age?

Hey guys, I have a question. I'm approaching 50. I have a some physical health problems, but nothing that is along these lines (cardiovascular, asthma). But, I'm not sure if this is really a "problem" per se. It is an annoyance.

It seems that I have a hard time fully emptying my bladder now. I have to really strain the muscles and "push", often to the point of causing a cramp-like, painful feeling, to accomplish the task. Otherwise, I leave the bathroom feeling like I still need to go and it is only about 2/3rds empty.

I had a PSA test done about 5 months ago, it was something like 2, very low. So, I don't think it would be a prostate problem. But, I haven't ever had it checked via examination, my PCP says "when you are 50". And it's not something I am looking forward to, so I'm happy with "after 50".

Is that something that "just happens"? Just something you have to live with if there aren't prostate issues?

Well, Johnny: Welcome to old age! Of course, what you should do is to have this checked out by your doctor. But I suspect what you're experiencing is having an enlarged prostate. The PSA test only checks for cancer. But, as men age, the prostate gland can enlarge, & obstruct urine flow, without there being any cancer present. It's just a part of the aging process. There are a variety of treatments available for this sort of thing.

Personally, I no longer have a prostate. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer about, oh-h-h, 15 years ago (young for that disease.) And, because I was so young, it was recommended that I have the gland removed. So I did. Anyway, when I 1st saw the doctor, he did the PSA test & I was only at a level 5 as I recall; which is within normal range. However, he decided based on what I had told him, to do a biopsy. The biopsy came back positive. And the rest, as they say, is history.

One word of caution here. It is possible for the prostate gland to become so enlarged it blocks urine flow entirely! This is, as you can imagine, a medical emergency. You have to get in to see your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room & be catheterized so that the urine can be drained... not a fun process! I worked my way through college many years ago as what they used to call an "orderly". And at one of the hospitals I worked at, one of my duties was to cath the old guys who would come in with their "valves" closed. To say they were in pain, & were grateful for my services, would be an understatement. See your doctor!

Thanks, Skeezyks, well, I think, anyway. I thought the PSA test also screened for benign hyperplasia, but I was wrong. Well, the thing is, I have an annual physical scheduled for the fall anyway, I guess at that time, just bite the bullet and get it over with. Sorry you had to go through that ... yikes!

For me, with my GID issues, it was the weirdest of mixed "blessings". Perhaps I'll create a new thread in the Transgender Forum on it.