Benign prostatic hyperplasia
THEbenign prostatic hyperplasia is characterized by an increase in the size of the prostate. A large prostate compresses the urethra while putting pressure on the bladder, causing a frequent need to urinate and various urination problems, as the case may be (lower and intermittent flow, pain, etc.).
Presque all the men are prone to benign prostatic hyperplasia as they age. In fact, more than 50% of men aged 60 have it, and 90% of those over 80. However, not everyone suffers from it: about 1 in 2 men affected by urinary tract symptoms.
This ailment is not cancerous. It does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, but it also does not prevent its development.
This condition is also called “benign prostatic hyperplasia”. THE’hyperplasia refers to the proliferation of prostate cells. The term hypertrophy, meanwhile, refers to the enlargement of the prostate. |
Causes
The causes of benign prostatic hyperplasia are not not clearly identified. There is probably a hereditary predisposition as some families are more affected than others. However, other factors come into play. For example, testosterone and its active derivative, dihydrotestosterone, are known to play an important role. Also, estrogen, female sex hormones present in small amounts in men, could be involved. For the moment, the exact mechanisms by which they work are unknown. It is possible that with age, the prostate will become more sensitive to these hormones.
The prostate In the prostate, genital gland the size and shape of a chestnut, is located below the bladder (see diagram above). It surrounds the urethra, the channel through which urine and semen are passed. Located at the crossroads of the urinary and genital tracts, the prostate secretes the nutritive and fluidizable substances of the sperm. the weight of the prostate increases between birth and puberty to stabilize towards adulthood; it then reaches 15 g to 20 g. From quarantine, the volume prostate tends to increase and continues to grow with age. The prostate can reach 7 times its original size. |
Possible consequences and complications
Men withbenign prostatic hyperplasia You are more likely to experience any of the following problems. However, the majority of them do not suffer from it.
- benefits urinary tract infections : a bladder that does not empty completely promotes the proliferation of bacteria. If urinary tract infections occur repeatedly, surgery to reduce the size of the prostate and unclog the urinary tract may be considered;
- La acute urine retention in the bladder: when the urethra is completely compressed, it becomes impossible to urinate; which causes severe pain. This is a medical emergency. A catheter is inserted into the urethra to empty the bladder;
- benefits stones in the bladder : Mineral deposits can form and cause infections, irritate the bladder wall and block urine flow;
- A distension of the bladder walls : benign prostatic hyperplasia can accelerate the aging of the bladder wall; over time, it loses tone and its contractions are less effective. Sometimes the bladder regains tone after prostate reduction surgery;
- benefits kidney damage : Chronic retention of a certain amount of urine in the bladder and repeated urinary tract infections can compromise kidney function in the long term.
Diagnostic
It’s important to see a doctor a cas de symptoms. This reduces the risk of severe complications. However, be aware that there is not always a relationship between the symptoms experienced and the volume of the prostate. Indeed, some men have a large prostate without having symptoms, while others have them despite a smaller prostate.
By a Rectal touch, the doctor can detect an enlarged prostate and monitor its progress. This test is also used to detect the presence of nodules in the prostate and to assess the risk of cancer. Urinalysis and a blood test to measure prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels may be done, as appropriate.