The prostate is a walnut-size gland located next to the urethra in males. It produces fluid to transport sperm during ejaculation. As men age, it begins to enlarge and cause health problems. Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate that usually starts to show symptoms after the age of 50. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse states that more than half of men in their 60s and as many as 90 percent in their 70s and 80s have symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Urine Stream Problems
The urethra is the tube that passes urine out of the body. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, therefore when the gland enlarges, it presses on the urethral tube and cause problems with urination. Some signs that indicate an enlarged prostate include difficulty in starting a stream of urine as well as a weak urine stream. Additionally, the stream of urine is inconsistent and unsteady in that there may be several stops-and-starts of urine. Incontinence, that is, uncontrollable leaking or dribbling of urine, also may occur after urinating.
Urinary Frequency and Urgency
A consequence of an enlarged prostate is that it eventually will grow to the point of obstructing the urethra. As a result, small amounts of urine will be voided throughout the day while residual amounts of urine stay in the bladder. Also, as growth of the prostate increases and places pressure on the urethra, it is common for men to have the sensation of urinary urgency. Another sign of an enlarged prostate is the increased need to get up during the night to urinate (nocturia). The frequent and small amount of urine output during the day continues in the night.
Urinary Retention and Infection
If enough residual urine remains in the bladder because of hypertrophic prostate
obstruction, further problems can occur, one of which is urinary retention; indeed, urine can flow back as far as the kidneys. Second, this standing reservoir of stagnant urine can produce chronic infections of the urinary tract as well as the bladder. Such infections usually are associated with pain while attempting to void. A patient may need to be catheterized to relieve the bladder as well as be placed on antibiotics.
Hematuria
The problems associated with trying to void and maintain a steady stream tend to make individuals strain in an effort to urinate. This may produce the symptom of blood in the urine (hematuria). This sign often the first one that compels a man to see a doctor.
