Prostate disorders, a sign of andropause
Most men between the ages of 40 and 45 experience a gradual increase in prostate volume.An increased urge to urinate and weak urinary flow—effects of the onset of prostatic hyperplasia—are common signs of an alteration in the male hormonal balance.
Close to 50% of men in their fifties and as many as 75% of men between the ages of 60 and 70 suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Prostate : role and function
The prostate is the male genital gland that wraps around the urethra, the canal through which urine is expelled.
Located under the neck of the bladder, it secretes seminal fluid, a constituent of sperm that facilitates spermatozoa mobility. By the age of 40, the prostate may become enlarged, causing a narrowing of the urethra and promoting urinary problems.
Located under the neck of the bladder, it secretes seminal fluid, a constituent of sperm that facilitates spermatozoa mobility. By the age of 40, the prostate may become enlarged, causing a narrowing of the urethra and promoting urinary problems.
What is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)?
By the age of 40, the prostate gland begins to enlarge as benign tissue cells multiply. This condition is called BPH - causing a narrowing of the urethra and promoting bladder problems.
The exact cause of prostate enlargement is not fully understood. However, we know that with age testosterone levels decrease, thereby stimulating prostate growth.
The exact cause of prostate enlargement is not fully understood. However, we know that with age testosterone levels decrease, thereby stimulating prostate growth.
Symptoms
How can men tell if this is happening?
Symptoms of BPH include:
Symptoms of BPH include:
- Getting up frequently at night to urinate.
- More frequent urges to urinate.
- Diminished, weakened stream.
- Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Pain and burning sensation.
Potential effects
Left untreated, prostate problems can prevent the bladder from emptying itself completely. As the volume of residual urine increases, a humid environment creates the perfect conditions for the proliferation of bacteria.
This can cause urinary tract infections, with symptoms of pain and fever. The final stage of benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause acute urine retention which is extremely painful.
This can cause urinary tract infections, with symptoms of pain and fever. The final stage of benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause acute urine retention which is extremely painful.
