A man’s prostate gland usually starts to enlarge after he reaches 40 years of age. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is considered a natural process of aging, and attempts to stop or reverse it so far have been unsuccessful.
The prostate gland serves a fertility function as it secretes the seminal fluid that helps to nourish and transport the sperm that comes from the testicles.
As the prostate grows larger, it may press on the urethra. This narrowing of the urethra can cause some men with prostate enlargement to have trouble with urination.
Prostate enlargement may be the most common health problem in men older than 60 years of age.
What Causes an Enlarged Prostate?
In the early stage of prostate enlargement, the bladder muscle becomes thicker and forces urine through the narrowed urethra by contracting more powerfully. As a result, the bladder muscle may become more sensitive, causing a need to urinate more often and more suddenly.
The prostate grows larger due to an increase in the number of cells (hyperplasia). However, the precise reason for this increase is unknown.
A variety of factors may be involved, including androgens (male hormones), estrogens, and growth factors and other cell signaling pathways (cell-to-cell communication).
As the prostate grows larger and the urethra is squeezed more tightly, the bladder might not be able to fully compensate for the problem and completely empty. In some cases, blockage from prostate enlargement may result in stagnation and backing up of urine, which in turn may cause repeated urinary tract infections, bladder stones, bladder diverticulae (outpouchings or pockets inside the bladder), and gradually result in bladder or kidney damage. It may also cause a sudden inability to urinate (acute urinary retention) — a painful medical emergency that requires urgent drainage.
What Are Enlarged Prostate Symptoms and Signs?
Many men with an enlarged prostate have no symptoms or signs. If BPH symptoms are present, they commonly include:
- weak urine flow;
- difficulty starting urination;
- dribbling of urine, especially after urinating;
- a sense of not fully emptying the bladder;
- leaking of urine;
- more frequent urination and a strong and sudden desire to urinate, especially at night; and
- blood in the urine.
Men over 40 years of age should have their prostate checked annually by their physician even if they have no symptoms.
For help with Prostate enlargement issues, please contact 020 8 55 79 65 now.
What do you think about this piece? Share your comment in the comment thread and share the story using the social media buttons above. Thank you.