The prostate gland is a rounded mass of muscle fibres and small glands, which sits immediately below the urinary bladder, and surrounds its outlet. It produces most of the fluid in semen, the milky-colour fluid that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. The urethra, the tube that transports urine from the bladder out
of the penis, passes through the centre of the prostate. When the prostate enlarges, the opening shrinks and begins to obstruct urine flow.
Men past 50 years of age commonly suffer from prostate gland enlargement.
Recognising the symptoms
The symptoms of prostate gland enlargement are:
n Weak urine stream
n Stopping and starting while urinating
n Dribbling at the end of urination
n Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
n Blood in the urine (haematuria)
n Urinary tract infection
n Formation of stones in the bladder.
What you can do
n Limit beverages in the evening.
n Don’t drink anything for an hour or two before bedtime to avoid wake-up trips to the bathroom at night.
n Don’t drink too much caffeine or alcohol.
When to see a doctor
n If you’re having urinary problems, see your doctor to check whether your symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate and find out what tests or treatment you may need. If you’re unable to pass urine at all, seek immediate medical attention. If you don’t find urinary symptoms too bothersome and they don’t pose a health threat, you may do well with simple medications.
The writer is Senior Specialist, Safdarjung Hospital and Professor, VM Medical College