Introduction

An enlarged prostate is very common among men who are over 60 years old. In fact, men over 60 years old have an 80 percent chance of developing an enlarged prostate. But what exactly is an enlarged prostate, how do you get this condition, are there complications and is their treatment?

What Is An Enlarged Prostate

The prostate gland is only found in men and aids men in sexual reproduction. As a man advances in age, it is a good chance his prostate will grow, or enlarge. This condition is known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Where hyperplasia” refers to an overgrowth of tissue.

This condition can result in urination problems in men such as dribbling, frequent urination, inability to urinate and infections to the urinary tract. By growing, the prostate starts to press on the urethra tube that causes the urinary problems.

How Do You Get BHP

BHP is mainly a heredity problem, which men receive from their parents. It is believed to come from a man’s testosterone that interacts with hormones to develop DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is believed to cause the prostate to start to grow, causing the urinary problems all ready identified.

DHT is also believed to be the main cause of hair loss in both men and women.

Complications From Enlarged Prostate

Most men do not develop complications from BHP. But in some cases men can develop significant complications from an enlarged prostate. Such conditions as:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) – this is the most common complication that can develop. One or two infections could be considered normal, but if it occurs frequently surgery may be necessary.
Acute Urinary Retention – This is the inability to urinate. A tube needs to be inserted into the bladder to allow for draining.
Bladder Stones – These are mineral deposits that collect in the bladder causing infection, inability to urinate and blood in the bladder.
Kidney Damage – If the bladder cannot empty and develops high pressure, the kidneys could be damaged.
Bladder Damage – When the bladder retains urine, pressure can develop causing the bladder walls to weaken.

In all the above cases, surgery will need to be performed to relieve the complications.

Treatment

Normal treatment for handling an enlarged prostate is to provide the patient with alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors which help control the development of DHT and stop the further growth of the prostate and in some cases shrink it.