Enlarged Prostate - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Peter Rodrick
November 01, 2008
The prostate is a small gland approximately the size and shape of a walnut. It sits directly below the bladder, in front of the rectum. The prostate is a part of the male reproductive tract. It produces fluid that combines with sperm to make semen.
After a certain age most men have signs of it. Studies show that less than 5 per cent of men under 40 have BPH. That number rises to about 50 per cent of men over age 60; by the age of 85 the odds hit 90 per cent. You may have BPH and not even know it.
Causes of Enlarged Prostate
Increasing age and the presence of normal male hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) are the best-known factors that contribute to BPH. A hormone known as 5a-reductase converts testosterone into DHT in the prostate gland, which results in prostate enlargement. DHT concentrations in BPH tissue have been shown to be increased when compared with normal prostate tissue. Of great interest is the fact that BPH does not occur in males who are castrated before age 40, indicating the great importance of the male hormone in this disorder.
The cause of BPH is a mystery, but age-related changes in the levels of hormones circulating in the blood may be a factor. Whatever the cause, an enlarging prostate gradually narrows the urethra and obstructs the flow of urine. Even though the muscle in the bladder wall becomes stronger in an attempt to push urine through the smaller urethra, in time, the bladder fails to empty completely at each urination. The urine that collects in the bladder can become infected and lead to stone formation. The kidneys themselves may be damaged by infection or by urine constantly "backing up."
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
Needing to go to the bathroom more often. There may be a sense of urgency connected to this. The need to go to the bathroom may wake you during the night.
Hesitation in starting to urinate and a weak urine stream once it begins
Sometimes, symptoms occur but are very general and difficult for the doctor to connect to the kidney. For example, a general feeling of illness (malaise), loss of appetite, nausea, or generalized itching may be the only symptoms of chronic kidney failure. In older people, mental confusion may be the first recognized symptom of infection or kidney failure. Symptoms that are more suggestive of a kidney or urinary problem include pain in the side (flank), swelling of the lower extremities, and problems with urination.
How is Enlarged prostate treated?
Prostate gland enlargment treatment is not always requiree. The doctor should discuss with the patient the benefits and likely side effects of any prostate enlarment treatments used. If enlarged protate symptoms are mild, often only observation or 'watchful waiting' is required with regular checkups. The advantage of this approach is that the men will not need to suffer the adverse effects of prostate surgery or prostate treatment unless their condition progresses and symptoms of enlarged prostate requires treatment.
Though not a sure remedy, revising your diet could help. Many researchers advise diets abundant in vegetables, grains, fish; fruit and low in saturated fat. The general consensus is that this type of diet will decrease the dangers of prostate cancer and alleviate the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Many men groan at the thought of drastic diet changes but don´t despair, it has been suggested that red wine appears to deliver some good. Cutting back your ingestion of animal fat will further help your prostate and health situation.
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After a certain age most men have signs of it. Studies show that less than 5 per cent of men under 40 have BPH. That number rises to about 50 per cent of men over age 60; by the age of 85 the odds hit 90 per cent. You may have BPH and not even know it.
Causes of Enlarged Prostate
Increasing age and the presence of normal male hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) are the best-known factors that contribute to BPH. A hormone known as 5a-reductase converts testosterone into DHT in the prostate gland, which results in prostate enlargement. DHT concentrations in BPH tissue have been shown to be increased when compared with normal prostate tissue. Of great interest is the fact that BPH does not occur in males who are castrated before age 40, indicating the great importance of the male hormone in this disorder.
The cause of BPH is a mystery, but age-related changes in the levels of hormones circulating in the blood may be a factor. Whatever the cause, an enlarging prostate gradually narrows the urethra and obstructs the flow of urine. Even though the muscle in the bladder wall becomes stronger in an attempt to push urine through the smaller urethra, in time, the bladder fails to empty completely at each urination. The urine that collects in the bladder can become infected and lead to stone formation. The kidneys themselves may be damaged by infection or by urine constantly "backing up."
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
Needing to go to the bathroom more often. There may be a sense of urgency connected to this. The need to go to the bathroom may wake you during the night.
Hesitation in starting to urinate and a weak urine stream once it begins
Sometimes, symptoms occur but are very general and difficult for the doctor to connect to the kidney. For example, a general feeling of illness (malaise), loss of appetite, nausea, or generalized itching may be the only symptoms of chronic kidney failure. In older people, mental confusion may be the first recognized symptom of infection or kidney failure. Symptoms that are more suggestive of a kidney or urinary problem include pain in the side (flank), swelling of the lower extremities, and problems with urination.
How is Enlarged prostate treated?
Prostate gland enlargment treatment is not always requiree. The doctor should discuss with the patient the benefits and likely side effects of any prostate enlarment treatments used. If enlarged protate symptoms are mild, often only observation or 'watchful waiting' is required with regular checkups. The advantage of this approach is that the men will not need to suffer the adverse effects of prostate surgery or prostate treatment unless their condition progresses and symptoms of enlarged prostate requires treatment.
Though not a sure remedy, revising your diet could help. Many researchers advise diets abundant in vegetables, grains, fish; fruit and low in saturated fat. The general consensus is that this type of diet will decrease the dangers of prostate cancer and alleviate the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Many men groan at the thought of drastic diet changes but don´t despair, it has been suggested that red wine appears to deliver some good. Cutting back your ingestion of animal fat will further help your prostate and health situation.
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