BY GEORGE NAVA TRUE II
Can you write about prostate gland enlargement? Why does it happen? What causes this and how is it treated? – Ruben Chanco Jr., San Pedro, Laguna.
The prostate gland is as big as a walnut and is found between the penis and the bladder or in front of the rectum. It secretes fluid that protects sperm. During ejaculation, this fluid is squeezed by the prostate into the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis). Both the fluid and sperm shoot out of the penis as semen.
The urethra runs through the prostate and urine passes there as it is expelled from the body. However, as men age, the prostate gland enlarges and may cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms. This common problem is called prostate gland enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Men with BPH have different symptoms that may worsen over time. In others, the symptoms improve an disappear. The Mayo Clinic said these include:
* Difficulty starting urination
* Dribbling (when the remaining urine leaks out after urination)
* Frequent urination at night (nocturia)
* Having a hard time emptying the bladder of urine
* Weak urine stream or urine that stops and starts
Blood in the urine is a less common symptom. The enlarged prostate gland may also block the urethra and the person can’t urinate. Some may have urinary tract infections and kidney problems because of this.
The Mayo Clinic said the size of the prostate has no bearing on the severity of symptoms. Men with slightly enlarged prostates can have severe symptoms, while those with big prostates may experience only minor symptoms.
It’s not known why the prostate gland enlarges, but the condition might be caused by changes in the balance of sex hormones that occur with aging. Those at risk include:
* Men over 60
* Men who don’t exercise
* Obese individuals
* Those with a family history of the disease
* Those with diabetes and heart disease
Untreated, men with BPH can suffer from urinary retention (the inability to urinate), bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and kidney damage.
To see if you have BPH, the doctor may recommend the following:
* Blood test (to check for kidney problems)
* Digital rectal exam (where the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate and check for abnormalities)
* Urine test (to see if you have other conditions that mimic the symptoms of BPH)
* Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test (to see if the prostate gland has high levels of this protein which happen if you have an enlarged prostate). Elevated PSA levels can also be caused by an infection, surgery, or prostate cancer.
How is BPH treated? What are some effective home remedies for the condition? Find out in tomorrow’s column. Don’t miss it!
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National Press Club and Philippine Dental Association awardee George N. True II has written two bestsellers based on his popular column which has been running for almost 40 years. For questions about health, email georgenavatrue@yahoo.com./PN
