The prostate gland is a reproductive structure in men that contributes almost all the volume of ejaculate, minus the sperm. The prostate surrounds the urethra underneath the bladder and can cause urination problems when it becomes enlarged. The cause of prostate enlargement, also called benign prostatic hypertrophy, is unknown, but it occurs in the vast majority of men as they age. The American Urological Association Foundation states that by the age of 80, over 90 percent of U.S. men will experience prostate enlargement.
Increased Urge to Urinate
The most common issue of the prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia, which occurs in many men starting around the age of 40. However, MayoClinic.com states that only about 50 percent of men with an enlarged prostate have noticeable symptoms that would be described as bothersome. An early bothersome symptom of prostate enlargement is an increased urge to urinate, especially while trying to sleep at night. Frequently the urge does not culminate in urination, or result in fully emptying the bladder. Strong, sudden urges can also occur during the day, similar to the effects of diuretics, such as caffeine.
Incontinence
Another common prostate gland symptom is incontinence, which is lack of urinary control. Incontinence can result in an unwanted, complete emptying of the bladder. The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute states that incontinence affects up to 14 million Americans and can be caused by prostate enlargement, infection, cancer and various treatments, such as prostatectomy surgery. A lesser form of incontinence is uncontrolled leaking and dribbling of urine.
Urinary Retention
As the prostate gland slowly enlarges, it can completely encircle and entrap the urethra, not allowing urine to flow out of the bladder. This can be a painful condition, known as urinary retention. This is a rare symptom that typically occurs only with advanced prostate pathology. The pain is often felt in the lower abdomen, which reflects the back-pressure in the bladder, or in the flanks, which reflects pressure in the kidneys.
Prostate Pain
Aside from the pain of urinary retention, an inflamed, infected or cancerous prostate can generate pain and make sitting and ejaculation very uncomfortable, as noted by the Prostatitis Foundation. The pain is felt deep within the pelvis and often described as stabbing or achy. Blood or pus might also present in the urine. Benign prostate enlargement usually does not entail prostate pain and should not be confused with any infection or cancerous processes.
Related Infections
Aside from prostate infections, an enlarged or cancerous prostate can cause infections in other structures, such as the urethra, bladder and kidneys. These infections can occur due to varying degrees of urinary retention that restrict urine flow, causing stagnation of urine and a greater opportunity for bacterial growth, as noted in "Professional Guide to Diseases." Infections occur more commonly with progressed prostatic hypertrophy.
References
- American Urological Association Foundation: Prostate Enlargement
- MayoClinic.com: Prostate Symptoms
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute: Prostate Cancer and Incontinence
- The Prostatis Foundation: Inflamed Prostate Symptoms
- "Professional Guide to Diseases"; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2008
