Reviewed by: Pan Jiangang (Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University)
It may be difficult for men to be aware of the presence of a prostate in the first half of their lives. The prostate gland is a walnut-sized sexual organ located just below the bladder that produces fluid that protects sperm after ejaculation.
A healthy prostate is usually unnoticed under normal circumstances. But as you get older, things change.
First, prostatic hyperplasia can cause abnormal urination
From around the age of 25, the prostate gland in adults begins to slowly enlarge, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is not associated with cancer.
The cause of hyperplasia is unknown, but it is clear that due to the enlargement of the prostate, many men begin to experience uncomfortable symptoms around the age of 50, including urgency, frequent urination, especially nocturia, and thinning and difficulty draining during urination.
The cause of these symptoms is that the prostate gland surrounds the urethra (the urethra is a tube that exports urine from the bladder and passes through the penis), and as the prostate grows, the urethra is squeezed and makes it difficult to urinate.
If symptoms worsen to the point of complete inability to urinate, it is a medical emergency and should be immediately referred to the emergency room or emergency telephone.
Image source: Stand Cool Helo
Second, the effect of prostatic hyperplasia on sexual function
Urinary problems caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia are called lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms are often accompanied by sexual function problems.
The association between lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual function is not well understood, but many of these patients experience low libido, difficulty getting an erection, and decreased sexual pleasure. Lack of sleep caused by depression and frequent nocturia, or some other physical cause, may cause the above problems to occur.
Regardless of the cause, the more severe the symptoms of the lower urinary tract, the greater the problem of sexual function. Lower urinary tract symptoms can be treated, so they should be treated well before they cause bladder problems or begin to affect sexual life.
Third, be examined to be vigilant against the occurrence of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and early detection can improve the patient's chances of survival.
Men 40 years of age or older should tell their doctor about their family history and other key factors to help determine their risk of prostate cancer.
If tested, tests may include digital rectal examination and PSA (prostate specific antigen, which refers to blood drawn to check the level of prostate-specific antigen).
Elevated PSA levels may be prostate cancer or may be caused by other conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia. Consult your doctor for the results of the test.
4. What are the ways to treat prostatic hyperplasia?
Some men do not cause abnormalities due to prostatic hyperplasia, and for many men with symptoms, urination problems can be alleviated by treatment.
1. Lifestyle changes
Reducing or abstaining from alcohol and coffee, and drinking less water at night, both of which can reduce the number of nocturnal urinations. In addition, ask your doctor about medications you are currently taking, some of which can worsen your symptoms.
2. Drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved certain drugs for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia by mechanisms of action that slow prostate growth, shrink in size, or make urination easier by relaxing muscles.
3. Surgery
For men who do not respond to medication, there are several types of surgery that can alleviate their symptoms. The most commonly used procedure, called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), removes prostate tissue that compresses the urethra. Prostate surgery will not affect the patient's libido and sexual function, but it will cause retrograde ejaculation and non-ejaculation, and this condition will not return to normal.
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