How Do You Identify The Signs Of Prostate Problems?

Odd as it may seem for years most men knew very little about their prostate gland and it is only in recent years as prostate cancer has gained in prominence that men are starting to ask just what the prostate gland is and what its function is.

The prostate gland is a vital part of the male reproductive system which produces a clear liquid which makes up a significant portion of a man's seminal fluid. Sperm is taken from the testicles to the prostate gland where it is mixed with prostatic fluid and proteins to make semen.

A healthy prostate gland is about the size of a walnut, weighs about one ounce and is situated just under the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is also frequently described as being donut shaped and is partially wrapped around the urethra, which is the tube which carries urine out of the body from the bladder.

Through a man's life the prostate gland grows, although from about the age of twenty until the mid-forties growth is extremely slow and to all intent and purpose undetectable. Once a man passes about forty-five however it is very common for the growth of the prostate gland to accelerate and the vast majority of men will begin to experience the symptoms of an enlarged gland in their forties or fifties.

In very many cases an enlarged gland merely produces some mild discomfort which many men choose to learn to live with. In other instances however the gland may become so enlarged that it squeezes the urethra enough to cause a variety of symptoms which require treatment or persuade a man to ask for treatment to relieve his discomfort. Simple growth of the prostate gland at this stage of a man's life is simply a normal part of the aging process and is referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BHP.

In all cases however the biggest problem with an enlarged prostate gland is that the problem could be more than just a case of enlargement and may be effectively masking the growth of an underlying cancer.

When the prostate gland starts to grow it also starts to put pressure on the urethra and to narrow this particular tube so that the first signs of a developing problem are often seen when it comes to urinating. In particular you may experience difficulty in passing water and need to 'strain' in order to start the process. You could also experience a weak urine flow and one which tends to stop and start. After a while you will also notice that you need to visit the bathroom more frequently, particularly during the night, and that you feel as if you need to visit the bathroom even just after you have just done so.

Not surprisingly this could become something of a an annoyance to say the least but but, even so, many men are content to simply view it as one of the inevitable difficulties of aging and learn to live with it. This is fine but the mistake which all too man men make is to choose not to talk to their doctor at this stage to confirm that their problem is just BPH and that it is unlikely to lead to other problems in their particular case.

Aside from the clear risk of the possibility of an underlying cancer, BPH can also result in other difficulties such as kidney disease or bladder infection.

Should you start to suffer from symptoms which are suggestive of a developing prostate problem then call in on your doctor so that the problem can be properly and treated.

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides information on various prostate problems and also provides advice on having a digital rectal exam