Prostatomegaly/BPH: How it Blocks Flow of Urine

Hello Friends!

Hope you are getting benefits from my previous posts. Today we will discuss about Prostatomegaly. We will know how enlargement of Prostate blocks the flow of Urine through the Urethra. Prostatitis is most common Prostate problem in men younger than age 50. BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is the most common Prostate problem in men older than age 50. We all know that “September is Prostate Cancer awareness month”. So I feel it’s very important that men should be more aware about Prostatomegaly and their health in general. Let’s discuss about Prostatomegaly in detail.

Prostatomegaly:

Prostatomegaly is a term used to describe enlargement of Prostate gland. The term Prostatomegaly is often used interchangeably with BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). BPH is common but treatable urinary condition in older men. Prostatomegaly is associated with Adrenocortical disease.

Prostate Gland:

1. Prostate is a walnut sized gland located between Bladder and Penis.

2. The Prostate is in front of Rectum.

3. The Urethra runs through the centre of Prostate, from Bladder to Penis, letting urine flow out of the body.

4. The Prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and protects Sperm.

5. During Ejaculation, the Prostate squeezes this fluid into the urethra and it’s expelled with Sperm as Semen.

6. The Vasa deferentia bring sperm from testis to the Seminal Vesicles. The Seminal Vesicles contribute fluid to Semen during ejaculation.

Difference between Prostatitis, Enlarged Prostate and Prostate Cancer:

1. Prostatitis:

1.1 It is inflammation of Prostate, sometimes caused by infection, injury or an immune system disorder.

1.2 Symptoms: Difficulty while urinating, pain in the Groin, pain in pelvic area or genitals and flu like symptoms.

1.3 Treatment: It is treated with antibiotics.

2. Enlarged Prostate:

2.1 It is called BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). It affects men over age 50.

2.2 Symptoms: Difficulty urination. The urinary system becomes weak. It can lead to infection, bladder stones and reduced Kidney Function.

2.3 Treatment: It is treated with medicine or surgery.

3. Prostate Cancer:

3.1 It is the most common form of cancer among men.

3.2 Symptoms: Difficulty while urinating but sometimes there are no symptoms at all.

3.3 Treatment: Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Hormone Therapy and Chemotherapy.

Causes of Prostate Enlargement or BPH:

1. Estrogen:

Estrogen Hormone is linked to prostate enlargement. Estrogen is primary female sex hormone. It is responsible for development and regulation of female reproductive system. With increasing age, less testosterone is found in blood stream creating a large proportion of estrogen.

2. Reduced Prostate Cell Regulation:

Disregulation of Stromal-Epithelial cell interaction is also cause of Prostate Enlargement.

3. Embryonic Reawakening Theory:

There are 5 types of BPH nodules:

(a) Fibryomyoadenomatous (Common).

(b) Fibroadenomatous.

(d) Fibromascular.

(e) Mascular (Uncommon).

According to this theory BPH nodules arose from transition zone which is attributed to “Mingling of prostatic glands with Sphincteric Stroma”.

4. Age Factor:

Age is an associated factor for development of BPH. BPH initiation occurs in younger men but at much lower rate compared to aged men.

5. Multiple Genetic Factors:

BPH is a heterogeneous disease that results from multiple genetic factors, epigenetic and environmental influences.

6. Urinary Tract Infection:

Bladder infection in men can be cause of enlarged prostate.

Symptoms: Frequent Urination, Strong urge to urinate, Burning Sensation during or after urination that is Dysuria.

7. Prostatitis:

It is inflammation of Prostate, sometimes caused by infection, injury or an immune system disorder.

Symptoms: Difficulty while urinating, pain in the Groin, pain in pelvic area or genitals and flu like symptoms.

8. Urethral Stricture:

It means narrowing of the urethra. Urethra is wide enough for urine to flow freely through it. When it narrows, it can restrict urinary flow.

9. Neurogenic Bladder:

Neurogenic Bladder is when a person lacks bladder control due to damage to the nerves carrying messages between bladder and brain.

10. Bladder or Kidney Stone.

How Enlarged Prostate Blocks Flow of Urine:

1. The Prostate goes through two main growth cycles during a man’s life.

1.1 First phase occurs early in puberty when prostate doubles in size.

1.2 Second phase of growth started around age 25. BPH occurs during this second growth phase.

2. When Prostate gets enlarged, it presses against the urethra. The bladder walls become thicker.

3. The bladder may become weak and lose the ability to fully empty. Some urine is thus left in the bladder.

4. Thus narrowing of Urethra and Urinary Retention (unable to empty the bladder fully) cause problem of BPH.

Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate or BPH:

1. Frequent Urination: Frequent Urination is major symptom of BPH. An enlarged prostate blocks the flow of urine, causing the bladder to become irritated and contract.

2. Nocturia: Nocturia is increased frequency of urination at night. Nocturia interrupts sleep. The enlarged prostate can close off the urethra, thus making the bladder contract harder to push out urine. Thus capacity of bladder is reduced to hold urine throughout the night.

3. Nocturnal Polyuria: Nocturnal Polyuria refers to abnormal high urine production and output during the night. In this condition prostate may function normally but urine production overwhelms bladder capacity during night.

4. Post-Void Dribbling: Post-Void Dribbling occurs when urine remains in urethra after voiding the bladder slowly leaks out after urination. When the muscles surrounding the urethra don’t contact properly then it prevents bladder from fully emptying.

5. Urinary Retention: Urinary Retention means when bladder does not empty at all. It can be acute or chronic. Chronic form occurs in older men.

Rare Symptoms:

1. UTI (Urinary Tract Infection): UTI is an infection in any part of urinary system, kidneys, bladder or urethra. Bladder infection may cause pelvic pain, increased urge to urinate and pain while urinating.

(Also Read: Health Benefits of Lukewarm Water)

2. Inability to Urinate: It can be obstructive or non-obstructive. Obstruction can be due to kidney or bladder stone. A blockage occurs and urine cannot flow through urinary tract. Obstructive urinary retention can be rare symptom of prostate enlargement in men.

3. Blood in Urine: It is rare symptom in prostate enlargement. The other common symptoms associated with it are leaking of urine and bladder spasm.

Tests to diagnose Prostatomegaly/BPH:

1. PSA Test (major test): PSA is Prostate Specific Antigen. PSA is a blood test. PSA is a substance produced only by certain cells within the male prostate gland. PSA test reading requires annually to check further increasing risk of prostate cancer.

PSA Test Readings	Results
< 4 ng/ml (nano gram per milliliter)	Nothing to worry
> 4 ng/ml (nano gram per milliliter)	Need Prostate Biopsy to rule out Prostate Cancer

2. Cystoscopy: Cystoscopy is endoscopy of urinary bladder via urethra. Cystoscope has lens like microscope and telescope. Cystoscopy is of two types:

(a) Flexible Cystoscopy is carried out with local anesthesia.

(b) Rigid Cystoscopy is carried out under general anesthesia.

3. Ultrasound: Ultrasound of Prostate helps to diagnose symptoms of enlarged prostate. It is also used to investigate a nodule found during a Rectal Exam, detect abnormalities and determine whether the gland is enlarged.

3.1 Ultrasound 1: With full urinary bladder or full pressure of urine.

3.2 Ultrasound 2: After emptying bladder to check out how much urine is still left in bladder.

4. MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Prostate uses a power magnetic field to evaluate the extent of prostate cancer.

5. Digital Rectal Exam: An enlargement may be felt through wall of rectum. A gloved finger is inserted into the rectum in order to assess the size of prostate gland.

6. Urinalysis: Urine sample is taken to check out infection in urine. This test helps to rule out bladder infection and bladder cancer as well.

7. Urodynamic Tests: Urodynamic Tests evaluate performance of lower urinary tract. These tests measure urine control, urinary urgency, poor bladder emptying and intermittent urination. A low flow and high pressure indicates obstruction to urinary outlet.

Who are at higher risk of Prostatomegaly/BPH?

1. Men above age 50.

2. Family History.

3. Diabetic Patients.

4. Heart Disease.

(Also Read: Heart Attack)

5. Obesity.

When to See a Doctor?

1. Frequent Urination.

2. Urge to Urinate at night.

3. Burning Sensation while urinating.

4. Obstruction in Urinary Tract.

Risk factors associated with Prostatomegaly/BPH:

1. Urinary Retention.

2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

(Also Read: Health Beneifts of Pomegranate)

3. Bladder Stones.

4. Kidney Failure.

5. Bladder Damage.

6. Prostate Cancer.

Treatment for Prostatomegaly/BPH:

1. Laser Surgery.

2. Open Prostatectomy (Open Surgery).

3. Alpha Blocker Medicines to relax muscle around bladder neck and within the urethra.

4. Inhibitors to stop conversion of male hormone Testosterone to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) to reduce size of prostate and to eliminate blockage.

Natural Remedies:

1. Pumpkin Seeds.

(Also Read: Health Benefits of Natural Seeds)

2. Tomatoes: Lycopene in Tomatoes reduce the size of prostate gland.

3. Flax Seeds.

4. Vitamin C enriched food.

(Also Read:Vitamin- An Essential Nutrient)

5. Fiber enriched fruits.

6. Green Leafy Vegetables like Broccoli.

(Also Read:10 Best Foods to Improve Eyesight/Vision)

7. Omega-3 Fatty acids like Fish, Nuts and Olives.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix 1 to 2 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of honey in 1 glass of warm water.

9. Green Tea.

10. Legumes and Soybeans.

If you like this article then please share with your friends and family and also like my Facebook page…

Link below:

Please subscribe my Blog (Sidhuz Vlog) by click on the below "Bell Icon" for latest updates.......

Health Disclaimer

This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.

The opinions and views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, health practice or other institution.

Prostatomegaly/BPH: How it Blocks Flow of Urine