Mr. Desai is an elderly man. During the last three or four months he is facing a unique urinary problem. He cannot control his urge to urinate for a few seconds also. He faces frequent urination and hence ends up with disturbed sleep as he has to get up every hour at night to urinate which makes him feel exhausted. Mr. Desai felt shy to discuss his problems with his family members and hence he discussed it with his friends who were of the same age and facing a similar situation. They presumed it was age related and they would have to live with this inconvenience.
It is seen that most men feel uncomfortable talking about prostate, since the glands play an important role in sex and urination. Many older men live in this situation believing that it is age related. While it is indeed age related it could be due to enlarged prostate for which there is relief available through treatment.
Let us understand, what is prostate? And the function of the prostate glands:
Prostate and its functions:
Prostate is small organ at the mouth of the urinary bladder. It is a male reproductive gland and the main function of the prostate gland is to produce semen. The prostate also contains some smooth muscles that help expel semen during ejaculation.
As men get older, their prostate keeps growing and it is termed as benign enlargement of prostate or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). As the prostate grows, it squeezes the urethra. Since urine travels from the bladder through the urethra, the pressure from the enlarged prostate causes the bladder wall to become thicker and irritable. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine and this affects the bladder control.
What are the symptoms of prostate problems?
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Dribbling of urine
- Strain in urinating
- Inability to hold urine till you reach the bathroom
- Weak flow
- A feeling that you have not emptied your bladder
- Difficulty in having an erection
- Painful ejaculation.
What causes prostate problems?
As the man matures the prostate grows through two main periods of growth viz. puberty and at around the age of 25. Though the gland grows during most of the man’s life, it does not cause any problems until late in life.
As the size of the prostate increases it puts pressure on the opening of the urinary bladder as a result the opening of the bladder is either partially or totally blocked and the man has to strain to pass the urine.
Dr. Ramesh Mahajan, well known Urologist from Fortis hospital says “Age is the primary cause for enlargement of the gland. A clinical examination, serum PSA test or a sonography helps to determine the severity of the problem. Regular medication helps to solve the problem and only extreme symptoms of obstruction need surgery.”
It is known that most men have problems with enlargement of prostate after 50 years of age. It is suggested that all men above 50 should visit their urologist once a year to prevent prostate problems as there may not be any symptoms early in the disease.
Dr. Ramesh Mahajan advises “Regular medication can help the individual lead a normal life. Improper medications or no medications can lead to complications and hence it is generally advised to continue taking regular medications as prescribed by the Physician”
Do not feel shy to share your problems as prostate enlargement is a common part of ageing as gray hair or wrinkles. Visit the doctor and regain confidence and a healthy life again. And remember, earlier you address this, better your chances of relief without surgery.
