How to tell if it's hemorrhoids or an enlarged prostate

How to tell if it's hemorrhoids or an enlarged prostate

If you have never experienced either condition, it may be difficult to determine whether you are dealing with hemorrhoids or an enlarged prostate. Hemorrhoids are actually enlarged veins in the lower rectum and anus and tend to clear up after a few days. There are two types of hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids occur outside the anal opening and internal hemorrhoids occur within the lower rectum and anus.

It is possible to have both at the same time. Although hemorrhoids improve after a few days, the symptom can be quite bothersome, causing bleeding and excruciating pain. Over 75% of people over 30 suffer from hemorrhoids. However, men tend to develop hemorrhoids that require medical treatment. Hemorrhoids are usually discovered because they can be perceived as lumps or bleeding. An enlarged prostate occurs in men and tends to appear after the age of 40. The prostate actually surrounds the urethra, which delivers urine from the bladder to the penis. An enlarged prostate tends to make urination difficult or painful.

Some common symptoms include repeated urinary tract infections, tender bladder, acute urinary retention, urine dribbling, leaking urine, and even kidney damage. However, some men also have no symptoms with an enlarged prostate. Therefore, the two conditions of hemorrhoids and an enlarged prostate are very different because they affect a different part of your body. Hemorrhoids can occur in anyone and can occur inside and outside the lower rectum and anus.

An enlarged prostate affects the urethra and bladder and can make urination very difficult. While hemorrhoids may go away, an enlarged prostate does not and will require treatment. If for any reason you think you have withers, you should make an appointment with your doctor. If left unchecked, they can develop into serious medical problems.

Inspired by Dr. Alan Jenks