Most men have a period of prostate growth in their mid- to late 40s. At this time, cells in the central portion reproduce more rapidly, resulting in prostate gland enlargement. As tissues in the area enlarge, they often compress the urethra and partially block urine flow. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for prostate gland enlargement. Treatment of prostate gland enlargement depends on the signs and symptoms and may include medications, surgery or nonsurgical therapies. Prostate gland enlargement is not related to the development of prostate cancer. The commonly experienced symptoms of BPH as follows:
Weak urine stream
Stopping and starting while urinating
Dribbling at the end of urination
Frequent need to urinate
Increased frequency of urination at night
Urgent need to urinate
Not being able to completely empty the bladder
Blood in the urine
Urinary tract infection
At the time of birth, the prostate gland is about the size of a pea. It grows slightly during childhood and then at puberty undergoes a rapid growth spurt. By age 25, the prostate is fully developed and is about the size of a walnut. Changes in the ratio of male hormone (testosterone) and female hormone (estrogen) levels in men may stimulate the prostate to grow. Another possibility is that with growing age the prostate gland becomes more sensitive or responsive to normal levels of male hormone and grows more rapidly. The main risk factors for prostate gland enlargement include aging, heredity and geographical origin. Prostate gland enlargement becomes a serious health threat only if it interferes with our ability to empty bladder. A bladder that's continuously full can interfere with our sleep, it can cause recurrent bladder infection or result in kidney damage. Men who have an enlarged prostate are at increased risk of:
Acute urinary retention (AUR)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Bladder stones
Bladder damage
Kidney damage
Any treatment for prostate gland enlargement is not a preventive treatment for prostate cancer. With your regular treatment for BPH you must go through the regular prostate gland examination screen for cancer. Making some changes in your living habits can give relief in the symptoms of BPH which are as follows:
Avoid taking beverages in the evening.
Reduce intake of caffeine or alcohol
Reduce dose of diuretics
Avoid taking decongestants or anti allergic drugs
Attend your call for urination whenever there is urging |
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