What do doctors call this condition?

Benign prostatic hypertrophy or hyperplasia

What is this condition?

This condition is an overgrowth of the small glands, found in men, that surround the urethra at the point where it leaves the bladder. An enlarged prostate may become large enough to press on the urethra and interfere with urination. Most men over age 50 have some enlargement without noticeable symptoms. Depending on the degree of enlargement, the age and health of the man, and the extent of the obstruction, an enlarged prostrate is treated with antibiotics or surgery.

What causes it?

Experts think there is a link between enlarged prostate and complex age-related hormonal changes. Other postulated causes include tumors, clogged arteries, inflammation, and metabolic or nutritional disturbances.

Whatever the cause, the disorder begins with changes in the gland’s tissue. As the prostate enlarges, it may press into the bladder and obstruct the flow of urine by compressing or distorting the near­by urethra. An enlarged prostate may also cause a pouch to form in the bladder that retains urine when the rest of the bladder empties. This retained urine may form stones or cysts.

What are its symptoms?

Usually, a person with an enlarged prostate first feels a group of symptoms known as “prostatism” that interfere with urination.

As his obstruction worsens, urination becomes more frequent, causing incontinence, waking in the night to urinate, and possibly blood in the urine, The doctor may be able to see a bulge that indicates an incompletely emptied bladder and, by inserting a finger in the rectum, can feel the enlarged prostate. The person may also be anemic and have poor kidney function because of the obstruction.

Complications

If the person has an infection or takes decongestants, tranquilizers, antidepressants, certain other drugs, or alcohol, his urine production may shut down. At its worst, an enlarged prostate can lead to infection, poor kidney function, hemorrhage, and shock.

How is it treated?

If you are diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, the doctor may suggest conservative therapy first, including prostate massages, sitz baths, fluid restriction for bladder distention, and antibiotics for infection. Regular ejaculation may help relieve prostate congestion. The doctor may prescribe drugs to relieve bladder outlet obstruction.

A new drug therapy with Proscar, which may reduce the size of the prostate in some people, is under investigation.

If you need surgery

Surgical treatment is the only effective way to relieve severe urine retention problems, repeated infections, and other intolerable symptoms. The surgeon may use a scope to remove prostate tissue and, if necessary, insert a catheter to drain urine. Another approach - using a balloon to dilate the prostate - is still experimental.