Informative Facts Concerning Urology

The prostate is a gland that is located just below the bladder. The gland surrounds a portion of the urethra, the tube through which urine passes from the bladder to the penis. As part of a man's reproductive system, the prostate produces some of the fluid that makes up semen.

BPH stands for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (or Hypertrophy), an enlargement of the prostate gland. "Hyperplasia" means there is an increase in the number of prostate cells including muscle cells in the prostate. "Benign" means the cells are not cancerous. Therefore, BPH is an enlarged, but otherwise normal prostate - a very common condition in men as they get older.

Enlarged Prostate Treatment

For many men, BPH is never a problem. However, as the prostate grows larger, it may narrow the urethra and interfere with normal urine flow. When urinating, urine is forced through the narrow opening by contraction of bladder muscles. Gradually, muscles in the bladder wall get stronger, thicker and more sensitive.

BPH is not cancer, however, a man can have BPH and prostate cancer at the same time.

Some of the most common symptoms of BPH are:

• A weak or start-and-stop stream when urinating
• A feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied
• A delay or difficulty in the beginning of urination
• A need to urinate often during the day and especially at night
• A feeling that you must urinate immediately