The prostate is a gland in the male body located just behind the bladder surrounding the urethra. The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system and the function of the gland is to secrete fluid to help sperm leave the body through ejaculation. As a man ages, the prostate usually becomes larger. This enlargement of the prostate, also referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), may cause symptoms such as difficulty urinating. Treatment for an enlarged prostate includes medications and surgery.
Obstructed Urine Flow and Urinary Retention
As the prostate increases in size, it can cause pressure along the urethra. The urethra is the tube that leads from the bladder to the tip of the penis. The prostate closes around the tube and can block the normal flow of urine. As the prostate increases, the urine begins to back up in the bladder and causes the bladder to overstretch. This overstretching may cause a condition called overflow incontinence, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information. Overflow incontinence causes the bladder to leak small amounts of urine without attempting to urinate. An increased need to urinate during the night also occurs with an enlarged prostate. A complete blockage of urine from the enlarged prostate can cause severe pain in the abdomen. Surgical procedures help relieve the blockage.
Urinary Tract Infections
As urine retention occurs due to the enlarged prostate, bacteria may begin to grow in the bladder. This bacterial growth causes a urinary tract infection. Antibiotics help clear the infection. For frequent urinary tract infections, surgery to remove a portion of the prostate may be necessary, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Bladder Damage
As the bladder stretches from urinary retention and a blocked urine flow, damage can occur to the walls and lining of the bladder. Small blood vessels may break and cause bloody urine. The overstretched bladder walls begin to weaken and cause the muscles to not contract properly. The dysfunction may improve after successful treatment of the prostate, but not always, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Kidney Damage
The increased pressure in the bladder due to an enlarged prostate may cause damage to the kidneys. The pressure from the bladder can increase stress on the kidneys. The weakened kidney is at increased risk for developing an infection from the bacteria in the bladder. An obstruction of the kidneys may also occur, called hydronephrosis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
