It is very common for the prostate gland to grow bigger as men age. This condition is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatic gland enlargement. As the prostate gland enlarges, it presses against the urethra. The pressure causes the urethra to narrow and the bladder to work harder to eliminate urine through it. The bladder may contract even when it contains only a small amount of urine. Eventually, the bladder wall weakens and is unable to completely empty the urine. BPH usually does not cause symptoms before the age of 40, but many men experience BPH after their sixties.
Signs and symptoms:
When the prostate enlarges, it may constrict the flow of urine. Nerves within the prostate and bladder may also play a role in causing the following common symptoms:
- Urinary frequency.
- Urinary urgency.
- Hesitancy: Difficulty initiating the urinary stream; interrupted, weak stream.
- Incomplete bladder emptying: The feeling of persistent residual urine, regardless of the frequency of urination.
- Straining: The need strain or push (Valsalva maneuver) to initiate and maintain urination in order to more fully evacuate the bladder.
- Decreased force of stream: The subjective loss of force of the urinary stream over time.
- Dribbling: The loss of small amounts of urine due to a poor urinary stream.
When to see a doctor?
If you're having urinary problems, discuss them with your doctor. Even if you don't find urinary symptoms bothersome, it's important to identify or rule out any underlying causes. Untreated, urinary problems might lead to obstruction of the urinary tract. If you're unable to pass any urine, seek immediate medical attention.