What is the prostate gland?

The prostate gland (prostate, prostate) is only found in men. The gland resembles a walnut in appearance and size. It is located just below the bladder, near the urethra. The prostate gland is responsible for producing the fluid that is a component of semen. It is estimated that around the age of 50, the prostate begins to slowly enlarge, which can result in disturbances in regular urination. It is hard to pinpoint what causes the gland to grow - doctors speculate that testosterone, whose levels fluctuate during life, may play a key role.

Symptoms of prostate growth

Prostate growth manifests itself primarily through urinary problems, which occur gradually. Unfortunately, this does not always result in the patient going to the doctor to make a diagnosis and help solve the problem. Prostate enlargement is diagnosed in more than 80% of men over 75 years of age.

Common symptoms that should prompt a visit to the doctor include:

longer urination - the appearance of a weak urine stream, making it take longer to visit the toilet,
problems with starting to urinate - the patient takes longer for the urine to start flowing,
a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely despite urination,
pressure on the bladder.

Prostate enlargement, photo: panthermedia

Sometimes urinary retention develops as a result of the disease, which is an extremely dangerous complication. Urinary retention can occur in two ways - completely, when there is a complete lack of urine drainage from the bladder. The bladder distends and pain in the pit of the abdomen begins to occur. Partial urinary retention involves incomplete emptying of the bladder, causing urine to back up in the bladder. The obstructed drainage of urine can result in the development of a urinary tract infection.

Treatment options

Remember - in the event of urinary retention it is essential to attend A&E immediately and urgently. Urinary retention is life threatening, hence urgent medical advice is essential. If urinary retention also occurs, you should visit your GP who will refer you for further investigations. The size of the prostate is assessed by examining the gland on the basis of a physical examination ( per rectum examination by inserting a finger into the rectum ). In addition to the physical examination, a general urine examination and measurement of steroidal antigens are carried out. An additional examination that is carried out. is a Medical US of the bladder. Depending on the intensity of the symptoms, the doctor may prescribe different treatments. In some patients, pharmacological treatment is sufficient with satisfactory results. Among the most commonly used drugs are alpha-blockers, which relax the muscles of the urinary tract, providing significant relief from bothersome discomfort. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which reduce the size of the gland, can also be helpful in treatment, which also facilitates bowel movement. If the disease is advanced, surgical treatment may be necessary - transurethral partial removal of the prostate, transurethral strep incision, laser removal of the prostate, prostatectomy. A change in diet and a change in lifestyle - reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, more exercise - may be helpful.

How to prevent the onset of prostatic growth?

There is no single method to prevent the onset of the disease. Prevention and watching your body is important. Men over the age of 50 should prophylactically visit a urologist to assess the condition of the urinary tract. Early detection of prostatic hyperplasia allows rapid treatment and prevention of possible unpleasant complications.

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Prostate growth - what does it do?

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