THE PROSTATE GLAND
The prostate gland is a small structure (about the size of a wall nut) located between the urinary bladder and the penis in men. The urethra(tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis to the outside) runs through the prostate gland. All men have prostate gland and it forms part of the male reproductive system. Its main function is to squeeze fluid into the semen during sexual climax. This fluid nourishes the sperm cells, energizes it and protects it from the acidic effect of the Vaginal fluid. The contraction of the prostate gland helps expel the semen to the vagina during sexual climax.
DISEASES OF THE PROSTATE
There are so many diseases of the prostate. The purpose of this article is to provide you with basic information on a prostate condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
Common prostate diseases include :
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
• Prostatitis
• Prostate cancer
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA(BPH) ….
This is the enlargement of the prostate gland which occurs as a man ages. This enlargement causes the prostate to press on the urinary tubules and bladder wall, making it difficult to pass urine freely. It is common in men 50years and above but some men start experiencing symptoms as early as 45 years.
What Causes BPH?
The cause of BPH is not completely clear but a number of probable causes ranges from Hormonal issues to lifestyle and environmental influences. There is no definite information on risk factors of BPH. However it has been known that BPH occurs mainly in older men.
As a man matures, the prostate goes through two main periods of growth. The first occurs early in puberty around the age of 12-13years, when the prostate doubles in size. At around age 25,the gland begins to grow again. The second growth phase often results, years later, into BPH.
Though the prostate continues to grow during most of a man’s life, the enlargement doesn’t usually cause problems until late in life. BPH rarely causes symptoms before age 40,but more than half of men in their sixties and as many as 90% in their seventies and eighties have symptoms of BPH.
What Are The Symptoms Of BPH?
Symptoms include:
• Urinating again and again in less than 2hours after you just finished Urinating
• Sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate
• Stopping in between streams while Urinating
• Having to push or strain to begin Urinating
• Inability to hold urine
• A false feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied
• Waking up several times to urinate
The above symptoms are not complete diagnostic criteria as there could be other more serious conditions such as prostate cancer which have similar symptoms and also requires prompt treatment. However, in 8 out of 10cases, these symptoms suggest BPH. It is very important to tell your doctor about any urinary problems such as those described above.
What Are The Treatment Options For BPH?
You may first notice symptoms of BPH yourself, or your doctor may find that your prostate is enlarged during a routine check up. When BPH is suspected, you may be referred to a urologist who will further assess and rate your BPH symptoms. Depending on the severity of the urinary tract symptoms, BPH can be rated into mild, moderate or severe BPH.
In mild symptoms, the doctor may decide to further watch your condition, no drug is prescribed at this point. The doctor provides you with very useful healthy lifestyle adjustment and dietary advice which will help alleviate your symptoms. Some patients at this stage will have their problem resolved by adhering to all the health advice provided by the doctor.
In moderate conditions, the doctor usually prescribes some medications which may effectively resolve the patient’s problem. BPH drugs include those that relax certain muscles of the prostate and bladder to ease the flow of urine(e.g tamsulosin) and those that block the action of male hormone dihydroxytestosterone in the prostate tissue(e.g finasteide)
BPH medications like most medications have some side effects especially on sexual function and the heart. Consult your Pharmacist for more advice if you are taking any drug for BPH.
In severe cases, the doctor prescribes multiple drugs or recommends the patient for prostate surgery. The commonest surgical procedure is Transurethral Resection Of The Prostate(TURP), where a surgical instrument is used to remove part of the prostate.
Early detection is key to successful treatment of BPH and other prostate conditions. BPH, if not detected on time and treated, can lead to other complications such as severe urinary tract infections, bladder disease, obstruction of urinary tubules, sexual dysfunction, acute urinary retention etc.
SELF CARE TIPS IN BPH
• Urinate whenever you feel the urge to and try to use the bathroom whenever you get the chance even if you don’t feel the urge.
• Eat healthy diet with ample amounts of fresh fish, fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce stress, take time to relax
• Exercise on a regular basis.
• Stay warm(cold weather can lead to urine retention and increase your urgency to urinate)
• Limit fluid intake especially before going to bed. Avoid Drinking water or beverages after 7pm.
• Reduce intake of caffeinated drinks and alcohol
• Consult your Pharmacist before taking any medication
• Speak to your doctor if you must take any over the counter anti histamine, anti cholinergic or anti hypertensive drugs.
Written by Pharm Edidiong Orok (B.Pharm)
References
The prostate gland is a small structure (about the size of a wall nut) located between the urinary bladder and the penis in men. The urethra(tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis to the outside) runs through the prostate gland. All men have prostate gland and it forms part of the male reproductive system. Its main function is to squeeze fluid into the semen during sexual climax. This fluid nourishes the sperm cells, energizes it and protects it from the acidic effect of the Vaginal fluid. The contraction of the prostate gland helps expel the semen to the vagina during sexual climax.
DISEASES OF THE PROSTATE
There are so many diseases of the prostate. The purpose of this article is to provide you with basic information on a prostate condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
Common prostate diseases include :
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
• Prostatitis
• Prostate cancer
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA(BPH) ….
This is the enlargement of the prostate gland which occurs as a man ages. This enlargement causes the prostate to press on the urinary tubules and bladder wall, making it difficult to pass urine freely. It is common in men 50years and above but some men start experiencing symptoms as early as 45 years.
What Causes BPH?
The cause of BPH is not completely clear but a number of probable causes ranges from Hormonal issues to lifestyle and environmental influences. There is no definite information on risk factors of BPH. However it has been known that BPH occurs mainly in older men.
As a man matures, the prostate goes through two main periods of growth. The first occurs early in puberty around the age of 12-13years, when the prostate doubles in size. At around age 25,the gland begins to grow again. The second growth phase often results, years later, into BPH.
Though the prostate continues to grow during most of a man’s life, the enlargement doesn’t usually cause problems until late in life. BPH rarely causes symptoms before age 40,but more than half of men in their sixties and as many as 90% in their seventies and eighties have symptoms of BPH.
What Are The Symptoms Of BPH?
Symptoms include:
• Urinating again and again in less than 2hours after you just finished Urinating
• Sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate
• Stopping in between streams while Urinating
• Having to push or strain to begin Urinating
• Inability to hold urine
• A false feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied
• Waking up several times to urinate
The above symptoms are not complete diagnostic criteria as there could be other more serious conditions such as prostate cancer which have similar symptoms and also requires prompt treatment. However, in 8 out of 10cases, these symptoms suggest BPH. It is very important to tell your doctor about any urinary problems such as those described above.
What Are The Treatment Options For BPH?
You may first notice symptoms of BPH yourself, or your doctor may find that your prostate is enlarged during a routine check up. When BPH is suspected, you may be referred to a urologist who will further assess and rate your BPH symptoms. Depending on the severity of the urinary tract symptoms, BPH can be rated into mild, moderate or severe BPH.
In mild symptoms, the doctor may decide to further watch your condition, no drug is prescribed at this point. The doctor provides you with very useful healthy lifestyle adjustment and dietary advice which will help alleviate your symptoms. Some patients at this stage will have their problem resolved by adhering to all the health advice provided by the doctor.
In moderate conditions, the doctor usually prescribes some medications which may effectively resolve the patient’s problem. BPH drugs include those that relax certain muscles of the prostate and bladder to ease the flow of urine(e.g tamsulosin) and those that block the action of male hormone dihydroxytestosterone in the prostate tissue(e.g finasteide)
BPH medications like most medications have some side effects especially on sexual function and the heart. Consult your Pharmacist for more advice if you are taking any drug for BPH.
In severe cases, the doctor prescribes multiple drugs or recommends the patient for prostate surgery. The commonest surgical procedure is Transurethral Resection Of The Prostate(TURP), where a surgical instrument is used to remove part of the prostate.
Early detection is key to successful treatment of BPH and other prostate conditions. BPH, if not detected on time and treated, can lead to other complications such as severe urinary tract infections, bladder disease, obstruction of urinary tubules, sexual dysfunction, acute urinary retention etc.
SELF CARE TIPS IN BPH
• Urinate whenever you feel the urge to and try to use the bathroom whenever you get the chance even if you don’t feel the urge.
• Eat healthy diet with ample amounts of fresh fish, fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce stress, take time to relax
• Exercise on a regular basis.
• Stay warm(cold weather can lead to urine retention and increase your urgency to urinate)
• Limit fluid intake especially before going to bed. Avoid Drinking water or beverages after 7pm.
• Reduce intake of caffeinated drinks and alcohol
• Consult your Pharmacist before taking any medication
• Speak to your doctor if you must take any over the counter anti histamine, anti cholinergic or anti hypertensive drugs.
Written by Pharm Edidiong Orok (B.Pharm)
References
- Evaluation of male sexual function in patients with LUTS associated with BPH treated with a phyto-therapeutic agent, Tamsulosin or Finasteide. Eur Urol.2005 Aug;48(2):26-76.Epub 2005 Apr 18.
- “Prostate gland enlargement “From Mayo Clinic website:www.mayoclinic.com
- “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia “from A.D.A.M. Healthcare center Website :http://adam.about.com/reports/000071.htm
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