Prostate Problem
- Prostate gland is found at the base of the bladder in men, which produces fluid which forms part of the semen and helps carry sperm
- As a man gets older the size of the prostate may get bigger. It can squeeze the urethra (like pinching a straw) and this can upset normal urine flow
Signs & Symptoms
- If a man has a prostate problem the way he passes urine changes slowly. Changes may not be noticeable at first or may occur from time to time. Changes include:
- Difficulty or delay in starting urine flow
- Stopping and starting in the middle of urine flow
- After you feel you have finished, a little more urine dribbles out
- A smaller, weaker urine flow
- Taking longer to urinate than before
- Feeling that you have not quite emptied your bladder
- Getting up more often at night to go to the toilet
- Going to the toilet more often during the day
- Sudden strong urges to urinate
- There are three main prostate problems. You may have any one, or a combination of these:
- Prostate cancer – lumps that become hard and stony. If the cancer is detected early there is a better chance of it being successfully treated.
- Enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) – as men get older the prostate gland may grow bigger and can upset normal urine flow, causing some of the mentioned symptoms
Inflamed prostate (Prostatitis) – prostate becomes sore and swollen. May be treated with antibiotics .
Causes
- Prostate enlargement occurs gradually
- The result of hormonal changes associated with ageing, such as the conversion of testosterone to a more potent form called dihydrotestosterone and this causes an overproduction of prostate cells, which in turn causes the prostate to enlarge
- As the prostate enlarges, it obstructs the urethral canal, interfering with urination and the ability to completely empty the bladder