Enlarged Prostate: Causes, Symptoms, Risks

An enlarged prostate troubles more men than might seem at first. What can we expect from this health problem besides a deterioration in quality of life? Why enlargement occurs, what symptoms it has and other interesting information is offered in the article.

Prostate gland at a glance

The prostate gland, technically called the prostate gland, is located below the bladder and its upper surface is adjacent to the bladder. It is part of the internal reproductive system of the male.

The main role of the prepuce is the production of cloudy secretion, which moistens the urethra and thus allows the movement (mobility) of sperm. The turbid secretion, together with the sex cells of the sperm, form the fluid of the ejaculate.

So, the prostate is an important organ for male fertility. However, due to its position, it also plays an important role in the excretory system.

Benign enlargement (hyperplasia) of the prostate

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) means that the cause of the enlargement of the gland is not due to abnormal growth of cancerous (malignant) cells.

The cause is a process related to the increasing age of the man. It is a slowly progressive hypertrophy and proliferation (growth/expansion) of prostate tissue cells.

In the medical lingo, this process is called as pathological-anatomical growth and proliferation of stromal and epithelial cells of the prostate part.

The cause is mainly due to older age, the influence of the male sex hormone testosterone, hormonal imbalance and genetic predisposition.

The process of prostate enlargement occurs after about age 30. BHP affects older men with a prevalence of approximately 40% in men in their fifties, with 80% of men in their 80s having benign prostate enlargement.

Prostatic hypertrophy causes pressure on the bladder. The consequence is mainly frequent urination frequency and a weak slower urine stream.

However, an enlarged prostate can also be a symptom of an inflammatory process or the beginning of prostate cancer. Therefore, a regular preventive check-up with a urologist is recommended to rule out and possibly establish an accurate diagnosis.

The cause of the development of benign growth of the prostate gland is not completely clarified. The etiology of hyperplasia has more than one factor, with the greatest role played by advanced age and a change in the level of sex hormones. The risk of developing it increases especially after the age of 40 in men.

The male sex hormone testosterone can change into a more active metabolite dihydrotestosterone, which stimulates its very growth in the cells of the prostate tissue.

Another risk factor is genetic predisposition - family history, hormonal imbalance, inflammatory processes and other diseases of the area. Diabetes mellitus (diabetes), obesity and cardiovascular disease may also play a role.

A risk factor is an unhealthy lifestyle with excessive intake of animal fatty foods, saturated fatty acids, excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine and smoking tobacco products.

If it is a malignant enlargement of the prostate gland, the cause is an abnormal growth of cells in the lining of the prostate gland, which carries much greater risks and health complications.

It is therefore important to be examined by a urologist who will establish a clear cause for the hyperplasia of the prostate gland and thus exclude the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

By increasing the volume of the gland, there is a subsequent oppression of the surrounding structures. The growing prostate exerts pressure on the bladder from below and on the urethra from both sides.

Thus, the result is a weakened bladder wall and a blocked (narrowed) urethra.

Symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia are primarily divided into irritative and obstructive.

Irritative manifestations are associated with frequent urges to urinate. Conversely, obstructive symptoms are related to a slow urine flow, intermittent urination, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

The most common manifestations of prostate enlargement:

• slow urine flow
• feeling of not emptying the bladder
• need to urinate frequently
• intermittency (not continuous)
• nocturia, i.e. waking at night to urinate
• urge incontinence (urine leak following a strong sudden need to urinate)
• urinary tract infection
• erectile dysfunction
• pelvic floor dysfunction

Prostate enlargement and pressure on the urinary system can also bring other health complications.

These are bladder inflammation due to incomplete emptying, formation of bladder stones, bladder damage, kidney damage and possible sexual difficulties in the form of erectile dysfunction.