by Robert Locke

Created on: June 18, 2008

What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate ? Those nightly trips to the bathroom may be the first sign of an enlarged prostate. Other symptoms may include trouble starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. Call it what you will- you have a wide choice- enlarged prostate, benign prostate hyperplasia, or simply BPH. Benign means "not cancer," and hyperplasia means too much growth.

What causes this condition ? The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Interestingly enough it seems to have something to do with the testicles when they are removed at an early age, then men are unlikely to develop BPH.Similarly, if the testicles are removed after a man develops BPH, the prostate begins to shrink in size.The likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age. BPH is so common that it has been said, "All men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough."

In men, urine flows from the bladder through the urethra.As the urethra narrows, the bladder has to contract more forcefully to push urine through the body.Over time, the bladder muscle may gradually become stronger, thicker, and overly sensitive; that is why it contracts even when it contains small amounts of urine,thus forcing you to run to the nearest bathroom.
When the bladder does not empty completely, you may become at risk for developing urinary tract infections. Other serious problems can also develop over time, including bladder stones, blood in the urine, incontinence, and acute urinary retention. The latter is a serious condition because it basically means you are unable to urinate.

Most men put up with these problems for months, even years, before seeing a doctor. What are the options available? Men with mild symptoms of BPH who do not find them bothersome often choose the approach of "watchful waiting" which means getting annual checkups.

What can you do to help your condition ? Limit drinking in the evening, especially drinks with alcohol or caffeine. Empty the bladder all the way when you pass urine. If you sit on the toilet, it helps to empty the bladder more efficiently. You do not even have to tell anybody !

You may decide like millions of American men with mild-to-moderate BPH symptoms to prefer drugs over surgery .There are two main types of drugs used. One type relaxes muscles near the prostate while the other type shrinks the prostate gland. There is evidence that shows that taking both drugs together may work best to keep BPH symptoms from getting worse.

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