Prostate enlargement, a noncancerous condition, can give rise to various urinary complications and other associated symptoms.
Enlargement of the prostate gland is commonly observed in men who are over 50 years old. The reason for this increase in size is not clearly understood.
The growing prostate squeezes and warps the urethra, leading to restricted urine flow from the bladder, a condition known as outflow obstruction. This results in symptoms like frequent urination and dribbling at the end of urination, and could also lead to incontinence. Over time, the bladder may become stretched and swollen because it can’t fully empty, which can be painful. The incomplete emptying of the bladder can lead to urinary tract infections, and in severe cases, could result in kidney failure.
The detection of an enlarged prostate is usually done through a rectal examination. Additional diagnostic methods may involve blood tests, ultrasound scans, and measuring the force of the urine stream. Tests to rule out prostate cancer as the reason for the enlargement may also be necessary.
In mild instances, treatment may not be necessary. However, for severe abdominal pain caused by obstructed urine flow, immediate intervention is needed. Typically, men with significantly enlarged prostates may undergo a prostatectomy, which is the surgical removal of the prostate gland. As an alternative, medications like alpha-blockers can be prescribed to enhance urine flow, or antiandrogen drugs may be administered to neutralize the impact of testosterone.