Enlarged Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland that is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra. It forms a part of the male reproductive system. It produces a fluid that enriches the sperm and also aids in the propulsion of the semen. One of the medical condition associated with this gland, which is often seen in men as they age is the enlargement of prostate gland. Enlargement of the prostate gland is medically referred to as prostatic hyperplasia or prostatic hypertrophy. It is attributed to the overgrowth of cells. The enlargement of prostate can block the flow of urine and lead to urinary problems. Scroll down to learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of this medical condition.

Causes and Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

Prostatic hyperplasia is caused due to the multiplication of the cells in the prostate gland. When the cells are non-cancerous in nature, it is referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is believed that changes in the levels of hormones that take place in men as they age could be responsible for the enlargement of the prostate. It is believed that the enlargement of the prostate gland could be caused due to high levels of dihydrotestosterone. Another theory suggests that the cell growth in the tissues of the gland might be caused due to low level of active testosterone in blood and the subsequent rise in the level of estrogen.

Men suffering from this medical condition are most likely to suffer from urinary problems. Since the urine flows from the bladder through the urethra and the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the enlarged prostate gland puts pressure on the urethra and obstructs the flow of urine through the urethra. As a result, the urethra becomes narrow and the patient experiences difficulty while passing urine. A person suffering from this condition might experience a frequent urge to urinate and thus, wake up several times during the night to pass urine. The other symptoms include weak urinary stream, urgency to urinate, dribbling post-urination, painful urination, blood in urine or incontinence. Incomplete emptying of the bladder could also make the person prone to developing urinary tract infections. Due to the contractions that are made to force out urine, the bladder might become very sensitive.

Treatment Options for an Enlarged Prostate

Those of you who have been experiencing urinary problems must consult an urologist in order to determine whether your prostate gland has become enlarged or not. It is also important to rule out the possibility of prostate cancer. Doctors generally conduct several diagnostic tests to check prostate health issues. Besides studying the patient's medical history, blood tests, urine analysis, prostate exam, prostate antigen test, digital rectal examination, pressure flow studies and post-void residual urine tests are conducted to reach a diagnosis. Besides using medications, the patient must follow the dietary guidelines. This will surely help in alleviating the symptoms. Since the enlargement of the prostate gland causes urinary problems, the patients can also benefit by doing some pelvic strengthening exercises.

Alpha-1 blockers refers to a class of drugs that are usually prescribed for treatment of prostate problems. These medicines relax the muscles of the bladder neck and prostate and facilitate easier urination. Though medicines such as finasteride and dutasteride can help in treating an enlarged prostate, these are not used often due to side effects. If the symptoms are caused due to an infection in the prostate or an inflamed prostate, doctors may prescribe antibiotics. If the symptoms are severe and the medicines are not really helping, surgery might be recommended. A surgical procedure called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is generally used for the treatment of prostatic hyperplasia. Sometimes a simple procedure called prostatectomy is used in order to remove just the inner part of the prostate. The other less invasive procedures that are used to destroy the prostate tissue include transurethral needle ablation, laser method and water-induced or microwave thermotherapy.

Urinary problems are one of the most common symptoms that may be experienced if the prostate has become bigger. Men who have been experiencing urinary problems must therefore consult an urologist to find out the underlying cause of urinary problems. If diagnostic tests reveal enlargement of the prostate, do follow the advice of the urologist and make the necessary lifestyle-related changes.