Commonly known as enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition routinely affecting middle aged and elderly men. More than fifty percent of American men between the ages of sixty and seventy exhibit symptoms of BPH. Having an enlarged prostate itself isn't life-threatening, in fact in many cases, BPH treatment simply involves close monitoring of the condition. But the existence of enlarged prostate can lead to more serious conditions like a bladder and kidney damage, bladder stones, urinary tract infection and even a complete halt of the urinary system, in a condition known as acute urinary retention. But what just what causes enlarged prostate hyperplasia?
What Is an Enlarged Prostate?
Here's how it happens, the prostate gland, which is ordinarily the size of a small walnut snuggly manuevers it's way right between the urethra and the pubic bone. As the onset of prostate enlargement begins to first mainfest itself, the bladder will have to work with more force to push urine through the now narrowed and somewhat "smushed" urethra. Subsequently, the muscles of the bladder become more sensitive-hence the frequent need to urinate that accompanies benign prostatic hyperplasia. The already enlarged prostate gland continues to grow and ultimately the bladder loses the ability to completely empty itself, and that is precisely what can go on to cause some of the harmful medical conditions associated with advanced enlarged prostate conditions.
What Causes Enlarged Prostate Conditions?
Just like the medical mystery of "Whatever happened to King Tut," physicans are sure definitively just what causes enlarged prostate. But of course, everyone has a theory, especially when it comes to testosterone. Many medical professionals believe that androgens, which include testosterone and similar hormones, play a direct role in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The school of thought isn't that testosterone and other androgens actually cause an enlarged prostate, but studies have shown that in order for the condition to occur, androgens must be in the midst. Men who were castrated as young boys do not experience prostate troubles as adults.
Diagnosing and Enlarged Prostate
BPH can be diagnosed in three ways, through a rectal examination, via blood tests, or through an ultrasound. A digit rectal examination may be able to catch an enlarged prostate, although the condition is typically advanced by this time. In an effort to determine if a patient has prostate cancer, physicans will order an ultrasound examination of the testicles, prostate, and kidneys, it is through this process that they may find that their patient isn't suffering from prostate cancer at all, but rather an enlarged prostate. But it is through blood testing that benign prostatic hyperplasia is most often caught. Blood tests are able to pick up on high levels of prostate specific antigens (PSA) affiliated with prostate cancer, however rectal examinations have been known to elevate levels PSA levels.
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