Recent studies have shown that nearly every man over the age of
45 has some
degree of enlargement of the prostate gland. This may not always
be a need for concern, as harmless growth of normal prostate
tissue is a natural result of the ageing process. The
enlargement may cause no trouble at all, provided it has the
ability to relax and allow free flow of urine through the
urethra. As the gland enlarges, constricting the urethra, the
muscles of the bladder become more stronger, and this extra
strength is often enough to allow the urethral exit to remain
open. Serious problems only occur when the bladder muscle can no
longer aid in keeping the urethral exit open, thus causing the
flow of urine to become severely obstructed.
Symptoms
These may vary widely , however a weak urinary system is one
symptom that every sufferer will likely complain of. You will
have a strong and frequent urge to urinate, yet only manage to
pass a few drops at a time. Since the prostate gland is deep
within the lower abdomen, there will be no noticeable surface
swelling, and it is rarely painful.
Risks and Actions
As mentioned earlier, the condition in itself is not
dangerous, and it is only when the problem is ignored that one
places oneself at risk. If the bladder is never entirely
emptied, the remaining urine may become infected, sometimes
resulting in Cystitis. Left untreated, the muscles of the
bladder may also no longer be able to overcome the resistance to
urine flow, and may gradually fail to function. Sudden failure
may also occur, however rare, it is painful and would require
emergency treatment.
If a patient refuses to acknowledge these warning signs even
further, the quantity of residual urine may cause the abdomen to
swell. In this case, the sufferer will experience a leak of
urine when coughing or sneezing, and it is not uncommon for a
little leakage to occur at night while he is asleep. See your
doctor without delay, if you think you are suffering with acute
retention, as there is a very real risk of kidney failure.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you experience the symptoms of an enlarged prostate,
consult your doctor, who will examine the gland by inserting a
gloved finger into the rectum. You may then be referred to a
urologist, who will perform a series of blood and urine tests,
and possibly an ultrasound scan, to determine to what extent the
bladder wall has thickened.
In the case of acute retention, your bladder would have to be
emptied by means of a catheter, before the condition can be
diagnosed and effectively treated.
When detected in its early stages, your doctor may prescribe a
course of medication which will help relax and reduce the size
of the gland. If this proves ineffective, the tissue that is
causing the enlargement may have to be removed. This surgical
procedure, would involve, the passing of a thin tube up the
urethra to the prostate. This tube contains a small loop of wire
that is heated via an electric current and manipulated with the
help of a minute telescope to remove the tissue causing the
blockage. If for one reason or another, this procedure is not
feasible, especially in the case of the gland being very large,
the prostate gland will have to be removed through an open
operation.
Regardless of which technique is used, the majority are
successful, with prostate problems seldom recurring. It is
probably very fortunate that prostate disorders seem to occur
mainly in the older man, as an operation to remove the prostate
gland will result in the man being sterile.
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