Enlargement of the Prostate Gland

Men in their 40s undergo changes of the prostate gland that can have a serious effect on their health.

 

The prostate starts changing after men turn 40. The enlargement of the prostate gland is part of the natural process of ageing. (jlp)

 

What do we mean by the enlargement of the prostate gland?

 

The prostate is the male sexual gland, which starts growing when men reach their 40s. This gland contains a fluid that enriches the semen and it surrounds the urethra, i.e. the tube which leads urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis. Enlargement of the prostate gland can hinder the flow through the urinary tract because the enlarged gland squeezes the tube. In some men, these quite natural changes of the prostate can cause difficulties in urinating. A normal prostate is about the size of a walnut. When the prostate grows, bladder muscles thicken and push urine through a narrow urethra with greater pressure and stronger contractions. Muscles become tender and as a result you have to urinate more often. With the growth of the prostate gland, the pressure on the urethra is increased, which can cause difficulties in emptying the urinary bladder entirely.

Therefore, a small amount of urine can remain in the bladder after urinating. In some cases, urine retention has serious consequences. Urinary tract infections occur repeatedly, which can cause a bladder disease or a kidney disease.

Enlarged prostate affects the functioning of the urinary tract.

Symptoms of the enlargement of the prostate gland

 

Most men don’t notice any symptoms of the enlargement of the prostate gland. The symptoms only affect the urinary tract. The most common result is the sensation of needing to pass urine frequently. You may also have problems with expelling urine through the urinary tract, so you have to wait for urine. There are also changes in the urine flow - it’s weak or it appears in intervals. After passing urine you can feel as if there’s still some urine left in the bladder, which creates the need to pass urine again. You often have to wake up at night because of the need to pass urine. In some cases, men experience leakage of urine (or urinary incontinence). If you notice blood in your urine, you have to see your doctor.

If you feel difficulties in passing urine and if blood is present in your urine, you have to see your doctor immediately. (jlp)

When should you visit your doctor?

 

The symptoms of enlarged prostate are dangerous if you have hot flushes and if you vomit, or if you have serious problems with urinating, especially if blood is present in urine and you also feel severe pain in your lower back. In the case of urine retention (inability to pass urine), you have to seek medical help as well.

In any case, check your prostate once a year after the age of 50, even if you don’t show the symptoms of the enlargement of the prostate gland. Your doctor will check the prostate gland through your rectum. The examination is painless. The analysis of urine will show whether you have any problems with kidneys as well. If the diagnosis is prostate gland enlargement, your doctor will start with the treatment immediately. If treatment in tablet form fails, there are other options, such as surgical procedures and lately even laser treatment.

You can take preventive measures against the more serious forms of symptoms of the prostate enlargement by changing your eating habits. (jlp)

What can you do to keep your prostate healthy?

 

The enlargement of the prostate gland is part of the ageing process and there’s no reliable method that could affect this natural change in men. However, here is advice on how to reduce the risks of developing the symptoms. If you drink less after 6 p.m., you won’t feel the need to pass urine at night so often. Drink as much as you need. In normal circumstances, this means approximately eight glasses a day. If you often have bladder inflammation, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. Experts say that cranberry juice has a beneficial effect.

It isn’t advisable to smoke and drink alcoholic beverages or caffeine. Don’t hold urine inside your bladder and always make sure that your back is covered. Recent studies showed that fruit has a positive effect on the prostate, while margarine and butter have a negative effect. Every now and then you should buy water-soluble tablets rich in zinc to treat your prostate with a healthy drink.

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