Urination Problems from Enlarged Prostate Gland
About 2 min read
As men get older, many have urination problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland, which is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is a condition where the enlarged prostate can slow or even block the urine stream. BPH is not cancer and does not raise the risk for prostate cancer.
The prostate is a gland in men that produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body.
Treatment for BPH and its problems include medication and surgery.
Questions you may have include:
- What is the prostate gland?
- What are the causes of BPH?
- What are some symptoms of BPH?
This lesson will answer those questions. Health Disclaimer
Prostate gland
The prostate is a gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body.
An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older.
An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer.
Causes of BPH
The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and changes in the cells of the testicles may have a role in the growth of the gland, as well as testosterone levels. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.
Some facts about prostate enlargement:
- The likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age.
- BPH is so common that it has been said all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough.
- A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40. More than 90% of men over age 80 have the condition.
No risk factors have been identified, other than having normally-functioning testicles.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate or BPH include a weak urine stream, dribbling at the end of urinating, slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream, and incomplete emptying of your bladder.
Other symptoms are a strong and sudden urge to urinate and needing to urinate two or more times per night.
Less than half of all men with BPH have symptoms of the disease.
Summary
Older men may have urination problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland, which is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or (BPH). It is a condition where the enlarged prostate can slow or even block the urine stream. BPH is not cancer and does not raise the risk for prostate cancer.
Take care of your prostate
Resources and references
Websites
Enlarged Prostate – MedLine – United States National Library of Medicine