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The prostate is located just below a man’s bladder. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis. The prostate’s main role is to make fluid for semen.
What is an enlarged prostate?
The prostate grows in two stages:
- The first stage is in childhood. By puberty, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. It stays that size for some time.
- Then, usually after age 40, the prostate starts to grow again. Though the prostate continues to grow during most of a man’s life, this growth usually doesn’t cause problems until late in life.
Sometimes, as the prostate gets bigger, it presses on the urethra. This makes it harder for the bladder to empty. You may have to urinate more often. It may block the flow of urine or cause other symptoms.
As the prostate puts pressure on the urethra, the bladder has to work harder to get rid of urine. The muscle walls of the bladder may thicken. Over time, the bladder may not be able to work as it should.
Often doctors don’t know what causes enlarged prostate symptoms. Many men who have an enlarged prostate don’t have symptoms. And, some men with a fairly small prostate may have severe symptoms.
Living with an enlarged prostate
An enlarged prostate doesn’t raise your prostate cancer risk. Many men who have no symptoms or minor symptoms often just watch for any changes with their doctor.
But, when symptoms are severe, they can affect your life. An enlarged prostate can cause other conditions, like urinary tract infections. In rare cases, it can lead to other health problems like kidney damage.
There are treatments for an enlarged prostate. Medicines can help most men with symptoms. Some men may need surgery.
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