What is Prostate enlargement
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms
part of the male reproductive system. The gland is made of two
lobes, or regions, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue. As the
diagrams show, the prostate is located in front of the rectum and
just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also
surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of
the body.
Scientists do not know all the
prostate's functions. One of its main roles, though, is to squeeze
fluid into the urethra as sperm move through during sexual climax.
This fluid, which helps make up semen, energizes the sperm and
makes the vaginal canal less acidic.
Symptoms
Many symptoms of BPH stem from obstruction of the
urethra and gradual loss of bladder function, which results in
incomplete emptying of the bladder. The symptoms of BPH vary, but
the most common ones involve changes or problems with urination,
such as
a hesitant, interrupted, weak stream
urgency and leaking or dribbling
more frequent urination, especially at night
The size of the prostate does
not always determine how severe the obstruction or the symptoms
will be. Some men with greatly enlarged glands have little
obstruction and few symptoms while others, whose glands are less
enlarged, have more blockage and greater problems.
Sometimes a man may not know he has any obstruction until he
suddenly finds himself unable to urinate at all. This condition,
called acute urinary retention, may be triggered by taking
over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines. Such medicines contain
a decongestant drug, known as a sympathomimetic. A potential side
effect of this drug may prevent the bladder opening from relaxing
and allowing urine to empty. When partial obstruction is present,
urinary retention also can be brought on by alcohol, cold
temperatures, or a long period of immobility.
It is important to tell your doctor about urinary problems such as
those described above. In eight out of 10 cases, these symptoms
suggest BPH, but they also can signal other, more serious
conditions that require prompt treatment. These conditions,
including prostate cancer, can be ruled out only by a doctor's
examination.
Severe BPH can cause serious problems over time. Urine retention
and strain on the bladder can lead to urinary tract infections,
bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and incontinence—the
inability to control urination. If the bladder is permanently
damaged, treatment for BPH may be ineffective. When BPH is found
in its earlier stages, there is a lower risk of developing such
complications.
Treatment
Men who have BPH with symptoms usually need some kind of treatment
at some time. However, a number of researchers have questioned the
need for early treatment when the gland is just mildly enlarged.
The results of their studies indicate that early treatment may not
be needed because the symptoms of BPH clear up without treatment
in as many as one-third of all mild cases. Instead of immediate
treatment, they suggest regular checkups to watch for early
problems. If the condition begins to pose a danger to the
patient's health or causes a major inconvenience to him, treatment
is usually recommended.
Since BPH can cause urinary tract infections, a doctor will
usually clear up any infection with antibiotics before treating
the BPH itself. Although the need for treatment is not usually
urgent, doctors generally advise going ahead with treatment once
the problems become bothersome or present a health risk.
The following section describes the types of treatment that are
most commonly used for BPH.
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