The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and is the size of a walnut. It is a gland that lies behind the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate secretes fluid to mix with sperm---forming semen---that aids in ejaculation. As a man ages, the prostate enlarges and can cause urinary problems. An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH, responds to treatments, such as medications and surgery.
Causes
As a man ages, the prostate continues to grow. For some men, this growth begins to obstruct the flow of urine as it surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that connects the bladder to the opening of the penis and allows urine out of the body. Although the cause of the enlarged prostate is unknown, physician suspect a change in the balance of sex hormones may cause the condition, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include difficulty in urinating. Some men may experience a delay when attempting to urinate, urine may dribble after completing urination, and some may strain during urination. Men can also experience a frequent need to urinate during the night. Blood may appear in the urine due to broken blood vessels in the lining of the bladder from overstretching due to urinary retention.
Diagnosis
To diagnose an enlarged prostate, a physician inserts his finger into the man's rectum to feel the prostate gland. A urine test determines in a urinary tract infection or bleeding is present in the bladder. A blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, PSA, to determine if additional problems, such as prostate cancer, are causing the enlarged prostate. A test called uroflowmetry measures the rate of urine flow and the volume voided by the man, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information.
Treatment
Treatment for an enlarged prostate includes medications and surgical procedures. Medications help decrease the symptoms associated with the enlargement. These medications include alpha blockers and 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, according to the Mayo Clinic. Alpha blockers work to relax the muscle fibers in the prostate to make urinating easier while 5 alpha reductase inhibitors help to shrink the prostate gland. Surgical options to treat the condition include removing the prostate gland , removing a portion of the prostate and placing a stent into the urethra to keep it open.
Complications
Complications may occur for men with an enlarged prostate. Some possible complications include frequent urinary tract infections, complete urinary blockage and an increased risk of prostate cancer.
