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The Prostate
Prostate Gland Enlargement
PSA Test
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Gland Enlargement
Prostate gland enlargement can greatly affect a man's overall
health. The condition, however, is highly manageable.
The male prostate gland produces semen, the fluid that
nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. The
prostate rests beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra.
The urethra is the tube responsible for draining urine from
the bladder, and when the prostate gland enlarges, it can
place pressure on the urethra and cause difficulty urinating.
The causes of prostate gland enlargement are unknown, but many
researchers believe that the prostate may become more
susceptible to the effects of male hormones, such as
testosterone, as the prostate gland ages. Many men experience
a phase of prostate growth in their 40s. During this growth
spurt,
cells in the center of the prostate, where it surrounds the
urethra, begin to produce more rapidly and the tissue in the
area becomes greater. These tissues often compress the
urethra, causing some blockage of urine flow. This condition
is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Prostate gland
enlargement affects 50% of men in their 60s, and 80% of men
over 80.
Prostate enlargement does not always cause prostate problems
in all men. The extent of enlargement varies, and it has been
estimated that only 50% of men experiencing prostate
enlargement seek medical help.
Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement
Signs of prostate gland enlargement include; a weak urine
stream, problems starting to urinate, interrupted urination,
dribbling once urination is complete, frequent urge to
urinate, increased frequency of urination throughout the night
(nocturia), blood present in the urine, and increased
incidence of urinary tract infection.
Diagnosing prostate gland enlargement usually involves a
review of any present prostate problems and symptoms, as well
as a medical history, including medications currently being
taken. This will likely be followed by a digital rectal exam,
which then may be followed by a urine test, urinary flow test,
and PSA test.
There are three primary risk factors for prostate enlargement.
The primary risk factor is aging. It is unusual to see signs
or symptoms of prostate gland enlargement in men under the age
of 40, however, 50% of men in their 60s show signs of
enlargement. Men with a family history of prostate gland
enlargement have a higher incidence. National origin also
plays a role, as studies show prostate enlargement is more
common in white and black men than in the Asian population.
Treating Prostate Gland Enlargement
Many men find that an enlarged prostate causes them few
problems. When the condition interferes with a man's ability
to drain his bladder, the condition is deemed serious. Health
risks associated with an inability to drain the bladder
include infections and kidney damage.
Once your doctor has assessed the severity of the prostate's
enlargement and it's potential health complications, a
treatment strategy will be developed. There are a number of
treatments for an enlarged prostate gland, including
medications, non surgical therapies, and surgical procedures.
The Digital Urology Channel
offers
information about the prostate and prostate gland diseases
and conditions. The
Prostate
Cancer Coalition website is an excellent resource for
those managing the disease. |
