The prostate gland, roughly the size of a walnut, resides at the base of the bladder in men. It produces fluid crucial for sperm nourishment and protection. This fluid, along with sperm from the seminal vesicles, travels through the ejaculatory ducts into the urethra, a thin tube facilitating urine flow from the bladder through the penis.
During puberty, the prostate experiences its initial growth spurt under the influence of sex hormones, reaching an average weight of 20 grams in adulthood. A second growth phase, starting in the 30s, sees the gland enlarge further, reaching an average weight of 40 grams by the age of 70.
With age, many men encounter urinary changes, often due to prostate inflammation or enlargement. Notably, an enlarged prostate doesn’t invariably lead to urinary issues, and troublesome symptoms are seldom indicative of prostate cancer.
Understanding Urinary Issues in Aging Men
As men age, urinary symptoms often arise, often attributed to prostate gland inflammation (prostatitis). In older individuals, these symptoms may stem from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland causing tube blockages. Difficulty emptying the bladder is a prevalent symptom, sometimes necessitating treatment.
However, not all urinary symptoms are prostate-related, and some men with enlarged prostates experience minimal symptoms, if any. Common symptoms include frequent nighttime urination, increased daytime urination, urinary urgency, slow urine stream initiation, post-void dribbling, sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, weak urine flow, and the urge to urinate soon after voiding.
While these symptoms may not always require treatment, seek medical attention if they cause significant discomfort, as effective treatments are available.
Follow-up Urinary Symptoms to Discuss with Your Doctor
If you encounter any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your doctor promptly:
– Inability to urinate
– Painful urination
– Presence of blood in the urine
– Unusual discharge from the penis
– Persistent or severe urinary incontinence (inability to control urine flow)
Prostate Gland Inflammation
Prostatitis, characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland, can be triggered by bacteria or other underlying causes. If you experience urgent medical needs, seek immediate assistance.
– Fever
– Lower back pain
– Groin pain
– Urgent and frequent urination
Antibiotic treatment is essential for acute bacterial prostatitis, often requiring hospitalization. Chronic bacterial prostatitis also demands long-term antibacterial therapy.
Challenges with Enlarged Prostate Gland
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) becomes more prevalent with age, potentially leading to bothersome symptoms. While an enlarged prostate can obstruct urine flow through the urethra, complete blockage is rare but may necessitate catheterization to empty the bladder. However, kidney damage from acute urinary retention is uncommon.
Interestingly, studies suggest that prostate size has minimal impact on the type or severity of urinary symptoms, with BPH being just one potential cause. Other factors, such as bladder muscle wall changes, can also contribute to urinary issues, including bladder spasms or weakness.
Treatment Options for Urinary Problems
If your urinary issues stem from infection or prostate gland enlargement, treatment may involve:
– Prolonged course of antibacterial medication (for bacterial prostatitis), necessitating several weeks of treatment due to the challenging nature of infection eradication.
– Medications to enhance urine flow and alleviate symptoms caused by prostate enlargement.
– Surgical interventions to address blockages resulting from prostate enlargement. The choice of surgery depends on prostate size and urethral condition, including:
– Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
– Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP)
– Laser Resection of the Prostate (such as Green Light Laser [PVP] or Holmium Laser Enucleation Prostatectomy [HoLEP])
– Open Surgery Prostatectomy (for extremely enlarged glands)
– Prostate tissue removal utilizing water jets (aqua-ablation) or steam (Rezum treatment)
– UroLift®, a minimally invasive option for men with moderate prostate enlargement, involving the insertion of staples to separate prostate lobes while preserving ejaculatory and erectile function.
– Various other procedures aimed at reducing urinary symptoms. Discuss with your doctor to explore the most suitable options for your condition.
Where to Seek Assistance
– Your primary care provider or General Practitioner (GP)
– NURSE-ON-CALL: Call 1300 60 60 24 for expert health information and advice, available 24/7.
– Kidney Health Australia: Contact at 1800 454 363.
– Healthy Male
