One of the health problems that elderly men encounter as they age is prostate enlargement. Medically, it is the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate is a small gland that is present in the men only. It is situated underneath the bladder and before the rectum. The primary contribution of the prostate is to generate the fluid that combines with sperm to form semen. However, prostate may begin to increase in size as men grow older. When this occurs, it is able to compress the urethra, the tube that the urine flows out of the body and that can bring numerous issues when passing over to urine. In Nigeria, prostate enlargement is beginning to show signs in many men who are above 40 years. These symptoms include: difficulty in starting to urinate, frequent urination, especially at night, difficulty in starting urination, weak urine stream, feeling that the bladder is not empty and sometimes pain during urine passage. I have heard friends and older relatives even complain about how annoying it is when one wakes up numerous times at night just to urinate. Health experts argue that enlarged prostate is not the same as prostate cancer, although when not handled well it may cause severe issues.  [Image Source](https://pixabay.com/photos/fitness-and-health-fitness-abs-5711488/) Awareness is the initial step to managing prostate enlargement. Most men do not pay much attention to the initial symptoms and think that it will resolve itself. Health facts however prove that it is easier to control with early diagnosis. Doctors normally intervene the size of the prostate by way of the exam termed as Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) or ultrasound. One can also use blood tests such as the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test to ensure it is not cancer. In my case, I have come to know that the sooner the man examines his health the better chances he has to escape larger issues in the future. In the management of prostate enlargement, lifestyle is a very big factor. One important change is diet. The studies indicate that the prostate health of men who consume a lot of vegetables, fruits, and antioxidant-rich foods is better. The tomatoes are normally used in Nigerian kitchens and it also has lycopene a potent anti-oxidant, which is beneficial to the prostate. Fish containing large quantities of omega-3 fatty acids such as sardines and mackerel is also beneficial in reducing inflammation. Conversely, excessive consumption of red meat, fried foods, alcohol and very spicy food may worsen the symptoms. On my personal side, I believe that the Nigerians should cut down on their pepper soup, suya and hard liquor just in case they wish to safeguard their prostate. Hydration and good urination practices are also another manner of dealing with prostate enlargement. Doctors recommend that men should consume clean water in abundance every day, but not in excess during the night because they would not disrupt their sleep. Postponing the urine is not also advisable since it increases the pressure on the bladder and the prostate. The exercise is also quite beneficial. Even basic exercises such as walking, jogging or even dancing in the traditional Nigerian style can enhance the circulation of blood and alleviate prostate issues. Scientific evidence indicates that men who engage in physical exercise do not experience urinary symptoms as often as men who live a life full of sedentary lifestyles. Obese cases have also been associated with the more severe enlargement of the prostate. The other thing to do to manage this condition is to keep the weight under control.  [Image Source](https://pixabay.com/photos/man-psychologist-human-psychology-4549903/) Medical care can be offered to men with already severe symptoms. The doctors may prescribe medications like alpha-blockers which allow relaxation of the prostate and bladder muscles to enhance the urine flow. There are also other classes of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that have been shown to reduce the size of the prostate with time. These are the drugs that are prescribed by a physician and are accompanied by side effects and hence self-medication is highly dangerous. I have heard that in Nigeria, many individuals have the tendency of purchasing medicine in chemists without the recommendation of a doctor, yet, with prostate, it is risky. Surgery may be required in certain instances in which drugs fail to work. The most widespread is referred to as TURP(Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), in which the additional tissue of the prostate is excised in order to enable the urine to flow better. Despite the fact that surgery is frightening, lots of men are relieved at the end of it. The current methods are less invasive and recovery takes less time than it used to. Regular medical check-ups are quite essential besides medical and lifestyle solutions. Men over 40 years old have been advised by doctors to regularly check their prostate at least once per year. This is not a popular culture of getting regular check-ups in Nigeria. Most of the men do not visit the hospital until the pain is extremely severe. I am a Nigerian guy, and I think that we should transform that state of mind. And similar to how we service our cars in order to avoid a breakdown, we need to take care of our health in order to avoid the big problem. Another valuable aspect is mental and emotional wellness. The prostate may grow and lead to loss of confidence to the man, not to mention the sexual life. There are men who are ashamed to discuss it and secretly concealing it does not help the situation. Stress can be alleviated by telling a doctor or even close members of the family about the problem. The prostate symptoms can be exacerbated by stress as it influences the hormones in a body. It can also be helped by learning relaxation techniques, prayer and positive thinking. In a nutshell, prostate enlargement is prevalent in men particularly with the advancement in age. It may be traumatizing, and it is not the end of life. To treat it, one will have to deal with it at an early stage, eat well, get active, stick to proper hydration, eliminate bad habits, seek medical help when necessary, and conduct check-ups. It is scientifically proven that under these measures men can enjoy normal and healthy lifespan despite the presence of an enlarged prostate. I am a Nigerian man and as such I have learnt that the prostate needs to be taken care of just like the heart or the brain. It should be done through our culture that teaches men to talk out about it and report to medical assistance at an early stage. The fact is that, health is wealth and we have no opportunity to enjoy the fruits of life without health. With good management of prostate enlargement, we will be able to live a long, healthy life and be successful.