The Line Between an Enlarged Prostate and a Hernia

A hernia can be a difficult issue to manage. Some people wonder when the best time to seek surgery is, if surgery is even necessary, or if they can expect the problem to simply disappear. But dealing with a hernia — for some — is only half the battle.  

Have you considered your hernia could be a result of an enlarged prostate? If this is the case, you’ll need to seek treatment for both issues to facilitate a full and healthy recovery. 

Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions P.C. offers hernia surgery as well as assistance with your recovery. Dr. Mikhail A. Botvinov wants to help you live your life in the best, healthiest way possible.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate 

An enlarged prostate is a common occurrence, affecting many men as they age. The cause for the condition isn’t fully understood, but it’s not linked to cancer like some other, similar conditions. Instead, it can simply create several frustrating symptoms. 

These include difficulty urinating, a weak or stopping stream of urination, and frequent need and urgency to urinate. Many people who experience this wake up often at night to urinate and may find themselves straining in the bathroom. It may seem like a nuisance, but it should be dealt with to avoid a blocked urethra, kidney damage, and other serious side effects. 

Symptoms of a hernia

Hernia symptoms are quite different from those of an enlarged prostate. They are sometimes nonexistent but can include discomfort and pain, a bulge in the abdomen, and tenderness. Once this kind of discomfort starts to develop, surgery is usually needed. 

The connection between an enlarged prostate and a hernia

It may sound like these two issues aren’t connected at all. However, the straining one tends to do to urinate with an enlarged prostate can sometimes lead to a hernia. This is because a hernia occurs when an area of the belly wall becomes weak, allowing a sac to form in the peritoneum and push through the weak spot. 

There is also more than one type of hernia. Inguinal hernias occur in the groin and are most common in men. They are often associated with the straining one does to urinate, which can be the connection between an enlarged prostate and a hernia. 

What you can do about these combined conditions

If you believe an enlarged prostate could’ve caused your hernia, it’s important to get diagnosed for both issues. Neither condition will simply go away on its own, and while hernia surgery can be delayed for a time if your symptoms aren’t severe, an enlarged prostate should be treated before it begins to worsen. 

Before you get hernia surgery, get checked for an enlarged prostate, especially if you think this could be the issue causing your hernia. If you don’t, you could develop post-surgical complications or even another hernia. And just as prostate cancer and hernias can sometimes be treated with a combined surgical intervention, so too can an enlarged prostate and hernia. 

Get help for your conditions today 

If you want to find out how you can treat and start to recover from an enlarged prostate and a hernia, you’ve come to the right place. We have expertise in helping our patients heal and avoid further severe symptoms. 

Make an appointment online or call today to visit us at one of our locations in the great state of Texas. We’re here to help!