The prostate gland is an important part of male sexuality, as it produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and protects the sperm cells. The prostate is located under the bladder and behind the urethra, which it partially envelops. Because of this anatomical relationship, early warning signs of an enlarged prostate involve problems with urination. Prostate enlargement, also referred to as benign prostatic hypertrophy, is considered common in men over age 40, although MayoClinic.com claims that about half of affected men do not experience noticeable or troublesome symptoms.
Weak Urine Stream
Benign prostatic hypertrophy, or enlargement of the prostate gland, is a common problem. MedlinePlus notes that by age 80, over 90 percent of American men have at least mildly enlarged prostate glands. As the prostate gland grows slowly with time, it begins to restrict the flow of urine from the base of the bladder and the top part of the urethra. Thus, an early warning sign of prostate enlargement is a weak stream of urine, and potentially, incomplete emptying of the bladder.
Frequent Urges to Urinate
Due to a combination of pressure on the bladder and incomplete emptying of the bladder, another early warning sign of prostate gland enlargement is a frequent urge to urinate, especially during the night. The book, "Genitourinary Pathology," notes that in men older than age 40, getting up at night two or more times to urinate is suggestive of a potential genitourinary issue, with the prostate gland being the most likely cause. The urge to urinate can also increase in frequency and strength during daytime hours.
Problems Initiating Urine Flow
Another early warning sign of prostate gland enlargement is difficulty initiating the flow of urine. Again, due to the pressure at the base of the bladder and top of the urethra, the sphincter that controls urine flow can have a difficult time opening, despite feeling a strong urge to urinate. Several seconds of straining may be required to initiate urination.
Dribbling of Urine
One of the most identifiable warning signs of prostate enlargement is uncontrollable dribbling of urine. The dribbling usually occurs while attempting to intentionally end the stream of urine, although it can also happen at night while asleep and be considered a mild form of incontinence. Full-blown incontinence with the inability to control the bladder can occur with advanced stages of prostate disease, according to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center.
Stabbing or Burning Pain
Although benign prostatic hypertrophy rarely causes pain, other prostate conditions do. According to "Genitourinary Pathology," infection of the prostate, or prostatitis, is the second most common prostate pathology and is usually identified by deep burning or stabbing pain. Pus within the urine is another warning sign of infection. Cancer of the prostate also causes gland enlargement and can include pain. Blood within the urine can be a warning sign of prostate cancer. The National Institutes of Health notes that enlarged or pathological prostates are often detected through a medical rectal exam, and that the most reliable warning sign for cancer is elevated prostate specific antigens in the blood.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Prostate Enlargement
- Medline Plus: Prostate Enlargement
- "Genitourinary Pathology: A Volume in Foundations in Diagnostic Pathology Series; Cristina Magi-Galluzzi et al; 2006
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute: Incontinence and Prostate Cancer
- National Institute of Health - Kidney and Urologic Disease: Tests for Prostate Diseases
