Prostate
The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system, located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. With age, this gland can enlarge, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) . BPH is a common but generally harmless health problem, particularly prevalent in men over 50.
As the prostate gland enlarges, it can compress the urethra, leading to lower urinary tract symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and waking up at night to urinate . Although this is not related to cancer, it can seriously affect quality of life.
Symptoms vary from person to person. While it may be mild in some individuals, it can cause significant discomfort in others. Early diagnosis is critical for treatment success. Today, prostate enlargement can be effectively treated with both medication and, if necessary, surgical methods.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the enlargement of the prostate gland surrounding the urethra, can cause a range of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). These symptoms can negatively impact quality of life and may worsen over time. The most common symptoms include:
Difficulty urinating: Weak or intermittent urine flow.
Frequent urination: The need to get up to urinate, especially at night (nocturia).
Sudden urge to urinate: Feeling like you can’t make it to the toilet in time.
Feeling of not being able to completely empty the bladder: Discomfort as if urine is constantly remaining in the bladder.
Burning or pain while urinating: This is more common in advanced stages.
These symptoms are not always proportional to the size of the prostate. The main determining factor is the pressure the prostate exerts on the urethra and the bladder muscles’ response to this pressure. Therefore, early diagnosis and regular follow-up are important.
While the exact cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is unknown, hormonal changes associated with age are thought to play a significant role. The proliferation of cells in the prostate gland over time can lead to narrowing of the urethra and the development of lower urinary tract symptoms.
The main factors that increase the risk of developing BPH are:
Advanced age: More common in men aged 50 and over.
Genetic predisposition: Individuals with a family history of BPH have an increased risk.
Hormonal imbalances: Changes in testosterone and estrogen levels can play a role in the development of BPH.
Lifestyle: Sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, and unhealthy eating habits are factors that increase the risk.
Considering these factors, it is recommended to make lifestyle adjustments early on and to monitor prostate health through regular health checkups.
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Trabzon Urology and Andrology Center
