Prostate Enlargement / প্রস্টেট গ্রন্থির সমস্যা
Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition where the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system, becomes enlarged. This enlargement is non-cancerous (benign) and is common as men age. The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, so an enlarged prostate can affect urinary function.
What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its primary function is to produce a fluid that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. The prostate grows during puberty, stabilizes in size in adulthood, and often begins to grow again in middle age, which can lead to BPH.
Causes of Prostate Enlargement:
The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes that occur as men age. Several factors may contribute to prostate enlargement:
- Hormonal changes:
- As men age, the balance between testosterone (the primary male hormone) and estrogen (a hormone present in both men and women) shifts. Increased levels of estrogen and changes in the way the prostate responds to hormones may encourage the growth of prostate tissue.
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, is thought to play a key role in the growth of the prostate. DHT promotes the enlargement of prostate cells over time.
- Aging:
- BPH is more common in older men. It is estimated that about 50% of men over the age of 50 and up to 90% of men over 80 may experience some degree of prostate enlargement.
- Genetics:
- Family history can play a role. Men with a father or brother who had BPH are at higher risk of developing it themselves.
- Other factors:
- Conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and lack of physical activity have been linked to an increased risk of BPH.
- High levels of certain growth factors, like insulin-like growth factor (IGF), may also contribute to prostate growth.
Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement (BPH):
BPH can cause a variety of urinary symptoms, which may range from mild to severe. The symptoms occur because the enlarged prostate presses on the urethra, obstructing the flow of urine. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination: Especially at night (nocturia), which can disrupt sleep.
- Urgency to urinate: A sudden, strong need to urinate.
- Weak urine stream: Reduced force of urine flow or a hesitant start.
- Dribbling: After finishing urination, dribbling of urine may occur.
- Inability to empty the bladder: Feeling as though the bladder is not fully emptied after urination.
- Straining to urinate: Needing to exert extra effort to start or maintain urination.
- Pain or discomfort: Some men may experience pain or a burning sensation while urinating, though this is less common and might indicate a urinary tract infection or other condition.
In severe cases, an enlarged prostate can cause urinary retention, where a man is unable to urinate at all. This is a medical emergency and may require catheterization to relieve the bladder.
