Information for the General Public
Enlarged Prostate Gland As men grow old the size of the prostate gland increases causing all kinds of problem. Increasing size of the prostate is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia often termed “BPH”. It is a progressive condition which affects all males over the age of 50. Depending on its size the symptoms can vary from passing urine frequently to causing complete obstruction to flow of urine. The prostate gland lies just below the bladder surrounding the tube (urethra) that transports urine out through the penis. The gland found in males is relatively small in boys. It starts to grow after puberty and in normal adults is the size of a walnut. The gland produces a fluid that mixes with the sperm that is discharged during intercourse. In women two rudimentary structures called Skene’s (or paraurethral) glands represent the prostate. Unlike in males they rarely cause a problem. Occasionally they can cause discomfort from inflammation. Symptoms of BPH Difficulty in starting to pass urine Straining to pass urine Taking a longer time to pass urine Urgency to pass urine and difficulty to control Passing only small amounts of urine Frequently passing urine Getting up in the night to pass urine If you have any of these symptoms you should see a doctor (Urologist). He will not only check you out for an enlarged prostate but also rule out cancer prostate or infection causing the symptoms. Diagnosing BPH The Urologist will normally use a scoring system from the symptoms (international Prostate Symptom Score) to decide on the type of treatment that you will need. He will also do a rectal examination to check the size of the prostate. Others Tests may include: Urine examination to check for infection that can cause the symptoms Blood tests to check for kidney function and Prostate Specific Antigen (Increased PSA level may suggest cancer prostate) Ultrasound of the bladder and Prostate - first with a full bladder and then after emptying the bladder. If the bladder does not empty properly it may mean that the prostate is causing some obstruction. Trans-rectal Ultrasound to measure the size of the prostate accurately. Treatment of BPH The treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms. Minor to moderate symptoms can be managed by medication and life style changes. If symptoms are more pronounced some form of surgical intervention will be required. Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise like walking tends to improve symptoms If you are woken up at night regularly to pass urine, avoid drinking liquids before going to bed Stop or reduce drinking Coffee and Alcohol. They tend to irritate the bladder.