Normal Prostate Size
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located in the male reproductive system. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis. The prostate gland produces fluid that helps to nourish and protect sperm.
The size of the prostate gland varies from man to man. The average size of the prostate gland is about the size of a walnut, or about 3 centimeters in diameter. However, the prostate gland can grow larger as men get older. This is because the prostate gland is made up of smooth muscle, which can grow and enlarge over time.
Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate gland is a common condition in older men. About half of men over the age of 50 have an enlarged prostate gland. The medical term for an enlarged prostate gland is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH can cause a number of symptoms, including:
Difficulty urinating
Frequent urination
Weak stream of urine
Dribbling of urine
Feeling like you can't empty your bladder completely
Painful urination
BPH is not cancerous, but it can be uncomfortable and can interfere with your quality of life. There are a number of treatments available for BPH, including medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
The symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland can vary depending on the size of the prostate gland and how much it is blocking the urethra. Some men with an enlarged prostate gland may not have any symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms.
The most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland include:
Difficulty urinating: This is the most common symptom of an enlarged prostate gland. You may have trouble starting to urinate, or you may have to strain to urinate.
Frequent urination: You may have to urinate more often than usual, especially at night.
Weak stream of urine: The stream of urine may be weak or slow.
Dribbling of urine: You may have difficulty controlling the flow of urine, which can lead to dribbling.
Feeling like you can't empty your bladder completely: After urinating, you may feel like you still have urine in your bladder.
Painful urination: Urination may be painful or burning.
Causes of an Enlarged Prostate
The exact cause of an enlarged prostate gland is not known. However, there are a number of risk factors that can increase your risk of developing BPH, including:
Age: The risk of BPH increases with age. Most men who have BPH are over the age of 50.
Family history: If your father or brother has BPH, you are more likely to develop the condition.
Race: African-American men are more likely to develop BPH than white men.
Obesity: Obese men are more likely to develop BPH than men who are not obese.
Diabetes: Men with diabetes are more likely to develop BPH than men without diabetes.
Heart disease: Men with heart disease are more likely to develop BPH than men without heart disease.
Diagnosis of an Enlarged Prostate
Your doctor can diagnose an enlarged prostate gland by performing a physical exam and asking you about your symptoms. Your doctor may also order a blood test to check your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. A high PSA level may be a sign of an enlarged prostate gland or prostate cancer.
Your doctor may also order a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to get a better view of your prostate gland. A TRUS is a procedure in which a small ultrasound probe is inserted into your rectum to create images of your prostate gland.
Treatment for an Enlarged Prostate
There are a number of different treatments available for an enlarged prostate gland. The best treatment for you will depend on the size of your prostate gland and how much it is blocking the urethra.
Some of the most common treatments for an enlarged prostate gland include:
Medication: There are a number of different medications that can be used to treat an enlarged prostate gland. These medications can help to shrink the prostate gland or relax the muscles around the prostate gland.
Surgery: Surgery may be necessary if medication does not work or if your symptoms are severe. Surgery can be used to remove part of the prostate gland or to create a new opening for urine to flow out of the bladder.
Lifestyle changes: There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to improve symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland. These changes include:
Losing weight
Exercising regularly
Eating a healthy diet
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
Taking warm baths
Using a heating pad on your lower abdomen
Outlook for an Enlarged Prostate
The outlook for an enlarged prostate gland is generally good. Most men with BPH are able to manage their symptoms with medication or lifestyle changes. Surgery may be necessary in some cases, but it is generally a safe and effective procedure.
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