The prostate is a male sex gland. It produces a thick fluid that forms part of semen, the fluid that is released through the penis during orgasm. The prostate is about the size of a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder.
If they live long enough, most men will eventually get an enlarged prostate gland. Doctors call it benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Symptoms
An enlarged prostate is usually not cancerous or life-threatening. It may cause
some problems such as:
Increased urgency to urinate
Frequent urination, especially during the
night
Delay in onset of urine flow
Diminished or slow stream of urine flow
Incomplete emptying of the bladder
These symptoms indicate that the prostate gland has enlarged enough to partially obstruct the flow of urine. Sometimes, BPH causes a urinary tract infection. Over time, a few men might have bladder or kidney problems or both.
Your doctor can diagnose BPH through a number of things. These include:
A physical exam which includes
asking questions about your current symptoms and past medical problems, an examination of
your prostate gland, checking your urine for signs of infection, and a blood test to see
if the prostate has affected your kidneys
Tests that measure urine flow, the amount
of urine left in your bladder after you urinate, and the pressure in your bladder as you
urinate
Other tests such as X-rays, cystoscopy (the
doctor looks directly at the prostate and bladder), and an ultrasound (sound wave pictures
of the prostate, kidneys or bladder). Many men do not need these tests. They are costly
and are not very helpful for most men with BPH.
{Note: Men 50 years of age and older should have a digital rectal exam every year to screen for prostate cancer. (See Common Health Tests & How Often to Have Them.) Other tests that a doctor might order are a blood test such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and a transcretal ultrasound (TRUS). Men should discuss the need for these tests with their doctor.}
Treatment
Treatment for BPH varies depending on many factors. This includes tha
patient's age general health and whether the cancer has spread beyond the prostrate.
Treatment options include:
Watchful waiting.
This is getting no treatment but having regular exams to see if your BPH is causing
problems or getting worse.
Medications. Examples:
ones that helps relax the smooth muscle of the bladder neck and prostate, such as Hytrin
and ones which cause the prostate to shrink, such as Proscar.
Surgery - There are many
types. Examples are:
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This relieves symptoms by increasing the
diameter
of the urethra as it passes through the
prostate. It is a proven way to treat BPH effectively.
Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP). This reduces the prostate's pressure on the
urethra, making it easier to urinate. TUIP
may be used instead of TURP when the prostate is not
enlarged as much.
Open prostatectomy. This may be used if the prostate is very large. An incision is made in
the
lower abdomen to remove the prostate.
{Note: Many newer procedures are now being done. Check with your doctor for one(s)
best suited for your needs.}
Prostate surgery can result in problems such as impotence and/or incontinence. It is
important to discuss the benefits and the risks of these operations with your doctor. Most
men who undergo surgery have no major problems.
Questions to Ask
Do you have 1 or more of these problems? A feeling that you have to urinate
right away or the need to urinate often, especially at night A feeling that you can't empty your bladder
completely A feeling of hesitancy, delay, or straining
to urinate A weak or interrupted urinary stream |
 |
Remain sexually active.
Take hot baths.
Avoid dampness and cold temperatures.
Do not let the bladder get too full.
Urinate as soon as the urge arises. Relax when you urinate.
When you take long car trips, make frequent
stops to urinate. Keep a container in the car that you can urinate in when you can't get
to a bathroom in time.
Limit coffee, alcohol, and foods that are
spicy.
Drink 8 or more glasses of water every day,
but don't drink liquids before going to bed.
Reduce stress.
Don't smoke.
Avoid taking over-the-counter
antihistamines or cold medicines that contain ephendrine.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 04/21/99