The prostate gland is the male organ that produces fluid to carry sperm during ejaculation. The organ, about the size of a walnut, is located beside the urethra, which handles the flow of urine. Because the prostate is so close to the urethra, men usually experience signs of an enlarged prostate when urinating. An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not cancer. Instead, it is a common side effect of aging and can occur following removal of a testicle, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a troublesome sign of an enlarged prostate. Incontinence is characterized by uncontrollable dribbling that can happen occasionally or on a regular basis. The automatic release of urine sometimes occurs when sneezing or coughing. When the prostate presses on the urethra, men may feel the urge to urinate and might be unable to hold it long enough after that initial feeling to make it to the bathroom. The bladder might be unable to empty completely, which leads to leaking.
Retention
An enlarged prostate also can cause men to become unable to urinate. The bladder will eventually become distended and painful. Urinary hesitance also can occur when men feel the need to urinate but have trouble getting the stream started. Once begun, it can become difficult to maintain the stream of urine. Urinary hesitancy usually comes on slowly and eventually results in complete urinary retention, report doctors at the NIH. Men with enlarged prostates often feel the need to strain and push to empty their bladders.
Night Urination
The need to urinate frequently during the night is a sign of an enlarged prostate gland. The constant waking can become disruptive to daily activities, leaving men tired, irritable and fatigued during the day.
Pain
Pain while urinating usually is a sign of a urinary tract infection, which results from the inefficient emptying of the bladder and urine retention. There might be a burning sensation when urinating or a discharge after urinating. BPH causes blood in the urine from extended periods of straining to void. Doctors at the Male Health Center in Lewisville, Texas, report that men experience a full feeling that creates pressure behind the scrotum and in front of the rectum when the prostate becomes even more enlarged from infection.
