The more you understand about your disease condition, the better you can take care of yourself. Following are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
What is prostate and what is its function?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder. It surrounds part of the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body. The primary function of the prostate is to produce a fluid that contributes towards the fluid necessary for ejaculation. This fluid is alkaline and enhances the viability of sperm cells in the acidic environment of the vagina. It also nourishes the sperms, and thus aids in the process of conception.
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
In most men at the age of 45, prostate begins to increase in size. It can continue to grow for the rest of a man's life.
This enlargement of prostate is known medically as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
The prostate gland surrounds a section of the urethra, the tube through which urine flows. As the prostate continues to enlarge, it can squeeze the urethra (like pinching a straw) and cause urinary problems.
This can interfere with the normal flow of urine and can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Prostate enlargement, or BPH, is a non cancerous condition.
What are the most common symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
When BPH interferes with urinary flow through the urethra, many symptoms can occur. These include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night.
- Weak or interrupted urinary stream.
- Feeling that bladder is not emptied completely.
- Urge to urinate immediately.
- Feeling of delay or hesitation at the start of urination
Studies show that as men age and as their prostates increase in size, symptoms occur more often and may become more severe. However, some patients may be symptom-free, or have symptoms that are only mildly disturbing.
In the early phase of enlargement of the prostate, the bladder muscle has to force urine through the narrowed urethra by contracting more forcefully. Over a period of time, this causes the bladder muscle to become thicker and overly sensitive. In some cases, as prostate enlargement progresses and the urethra is squeezed more tightly, the bladder cannot overcome this problem. If this happens, the bladder cannot empty completely. This situation creates a need to urinate more frequently. In a small percentage of men, incomplete emptying of the bladder may lead to repeated urinary tract infections, sudden inability to urinate, and gradual bladder or kidney damage. If a urinary tract infection develops, there may also be burning or pain during urination. An enlarged prostate can rarely even block the urethral passage completely, a very serious condition.
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