The prostate is a gland situated below the bladder that wraps around the urethra. The prostate gland produces a fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen. The gland is normally the size of a walnut, but can begin to grow as a man ages. This condition, called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, can cause complications, such as urinary tract infections and kidney damage. Treatment options for an enlarged prostate include lifestyle changes, medications and surgical procedures. Approximately half of the men with an enlarged prostate will experience bothersome symptoms associated with the condition, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Urinary Changes
An enlarged prostate applies pressure and squeezes the urethra, which is the tube that leads from the bladder, down the penis, and out of the body. The compression of the urethra alters the flow of urine out of the body. Men may experience difficulty when they attempt to urinate, dribbling during urination, a weak urine stream and urgency, as well as an increased frequency in urination, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms associated with the condition include an inability to completely empty the bladder and urinary incontinence.
Nocturia
Men with an enlarged prostate may need to urinate two or more times during the night. This condition, called nocturia, may improve by limiting fluid intake at least two hours before bedtime, and by avoiding caffeine and alcohol after dinner, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Urinary Retention and Urinary Stones
The enlarged prostate can block the flow of urine from the bladder because of the constriction of the urethra. This condition, called urinary retention, may begin after taking over-the-counter cold medications, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The fullness in the bladder causes urine to back up into the kidneys, possibly causing damage to both organs. As the urine stays in the body, the possibility of urinary stones forming in the kidneys or the bladder increases.
Urinary Tract Infection
Men with an enlarged prostate have an increased risk of developing an infection in the bladder or the kidney because of the possibility of bacteria in the retained urine. Symptoms associated with a urinary tract infection include pain in the lower back or side and pain during urination. The urine may appear bloody or cloudy.
