It is not uncommon for the prostate to begin to enlarge in men around age 40. Slowly and discreetly, this walnut sized gland begins to swell. The prostate is located just before the rectum and just behind the testicles. The prostate sits right next to the urethra, and as is swells, it is not uncommon for it to exude pressure against the urethra and cause urinary tract problems. Most men do not have prostate problems until they reach the age of 60, although it can happen for some earlier. At 40 the prostate begins to swell which eventually causes the condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Most men with an enlarged prostate have no symptoms, especially in the beginning. Over time symptoms such as frequent need to urinate, a strong urge to urinate, the sensation of not having the bladder emptied when urinating, dribbling or dripping, leaking, difficulty starting the urine flow, weak stream, and urinating several times throughout the night. If there is blood in the urine, it is important that a physician be contacted immediately.
The prostate naturally wraps around the urethra, and while it is unclear exactly why it grows larger with age, the prostate slowly wraps tighter around the urethra, causing in a sense a strangulation of the urethra. This causes the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Since the prostate also sits just below the bladder, it is not uncommon for there to be added bladder pressure as the prostate grows. This can add to the sensation of needing to urinate more frequently and at night.
On occasion, the prostate can contract around the urethra tight enough to cause urinary tract infections. In rare instances, it can contract so tightly that the man can no longer urinate. This is known as acute urinary retention and would require emergency medical attention. Fever, chills, lower back pain, can all indicate complications and should be examined by a physician immediately.
Diagnosis of enlarged prostate requires a physical exam by a physician to determine that there are not underlying or various causes of the symptoms. A digital rectal exam is necessary, which entail the physician examining the prostate by inserting their fingers via a gloved and lubricated hand, inside the rectum to feel the prostate. A urinalysis may be performed to rule out a urinary tract infection. Blood tests to rule out kidney problems and prostate cancer are likely to be performed as well. Many men prefer to visit a specialist, such as urologist for the diagnosis to rule out any possibility of prostate cancer.
Treatment may not be recommended at all if the symptoms are mild. It is more than likely that annual exams will be necessary to rule out any worsening of the condition or the development of complications. If symptoms are severe or complications set in, it is likely that the physician will determine whether medication is appropriate or the removal of the prostate altogether is more appropriate. Removing the prostate is considered a last resort. While medical science understands many of the prostate gland’s function, not all functions have been determined. Other surgical options are available, such as the scraping away of the core of the prostate in order to make it smaller. Transurethral microwave thermotherapy is a new and becoming a more common treatment for enlarged prostate. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure and has shown fairly positive results in the early stages. The microwaves are used to produce enough heat to destroy some of the prostate tissue. Other surgical procedures are being developed regularly.
When men learn to listen to their body’s needs often the symptoms of enlarged prostate can be reduced. Urinating as soon as the urge hits, and completely emptying of the bladder are simple steps that can be taken to eliminate a few of the symptoms associated with enlarged prostate. Good nutrition and exercise can help ward off enlarged prostate, but there are no guarantees.
Enlarged prostate is a fairly common problem that men experience. While the medical exams and tests required to determine whether or not the prostate is enlarged are not pleasant, it is never a good idea to let the enlarged prostate go undetected. This may lead to more significant complications.
Find out more by viewing the Human Anatomy page:
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Male Reproductive System
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Medication commonly used for these disease:
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Developed by GlaxoSmithKline, Dutasteride is a new drug designed for treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate is enlarged. Currently, Dutasteride has been gaining popularity for its ability to treat hair loss. more...
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Cardura is commonly prescribed as doxazosin and is typically used in the treatment of hypertension. It is also commonly used in the treatment of enlarged prostate. Cardura is used to allow the arteries to relax and allow blood flow improvement. In the cas more...
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Finasteride is the generic form of Propecia and Proscar. It is prescribed to prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone which causes hair loss and enlarged prostate. Finesteride will only help prevent or reduce hair loss contributed t more...
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Propecia, which is generically prescribed as finasteride, and is commonly used to treat enlarged prostate and male pattern baldness. Propecia prevents testosterone from converting to dihydrotestosterone in the body. more...
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Hytrin is generically prescribed as terazosin and is commonly used to treat hypertension. Hytrin has also been successfully used in the treatment of enlarged prostate. Hytrin is part of the family of medications known as alpha adrenergic blockers which su more...
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Flomax is the brand name for tamsulosin hydrochloride, which usually comes in capsule form. It is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or a non-cancerous swelling of the prostate in men. This swelling can eventually cause problem more...
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Proscar is the brand name for a synthetic steroid that comes in tablet form. Its generic name is finasteride, and it is used to treat symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH with symptoms. BPH is a condition found in men in which their prostate more...
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Cardular is a brand name for the drug doxazosin mesylate, which is given in tablets to treat two different conditions: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BHP, and hypertension, or high blood pressure. BPH is a condition found in men in which their prostate more...
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Doxazosin is an alpha blocker developed by Pfizer. It is marketed worldwide under the brand name Cardura.
Doxazosin is mostly used by men. It has blocking properties that help relieve men from worrying about enlarged prostate and even high blood pressure more...
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