Prostrate enlargement a common problem among men. The most common medical condition related to this is called Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis and found around the urethra(the urethra plays the role of transmitting urine from the bladder both in female & male).
This gland can only be found in men only. According to Dr. Ighodalo Ehigie Joshua a resident Doctor in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, (UITH) department of histopathology, the primary function of the prostate is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm (seminal fluid). The size of this gland enlarges as one grows older. The gland increases in earlier years with a break around puberty and resumes as from the age of about 25 years, and it grows through out life. The growth of this gland is natural and may not cause symptoms. It only becomes an issue when men start developing symptoms. This is due to the location of this gland, between the penis and bladder and may cause interference with the passage of urine , symptoms of which includes, increased urination, pain while urinating, inability to empty the bladder with a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying during urination.
Causes of prostrate enlarugement, For now there is no known cause for prostrate enlargement, but hormones have been found to play a major role.
What are the preventive measure, since it is a natural occurrence there are no preventive measure. However, lifestyle modifications like regular exercise , avoiding alcohol intake and fluids that contains caffeine could be beneficial especially for men who are having symptoms as earlier mentioned.Possible treatment for this prostrate enlargement.Symptoms can be managed with some medications as prescribed by the medical personnel, but for some, they might not always be enough to ease symptoms, such men will have to under go a surgery. The surgery involves the removal of the prostrate (gland) this procedure is called prostatectomy. This prostatectomy does not affect the life style of an individual gravely.How can this enlarged gland be detected. It can be detected by going for medical checkup up, where a medical doctor will ask questions, and do clinical examination by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum( it is simple and not painful) or through ultrasound. Blood tests can also be done to check for some parameters as well as to look at the kidney function. This is because, the kidney may also be affected in severe cases of enlarged prostate. Men are advised to go for regular check up once in a year. Those experiencing one of these symptoms mentioned above should visit the hospital.