The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. While it is not directly involved in urination, problems with the prostate gland can make urinating difficult.
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that sits just below or at the base of the bladder in men. The thin tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder is called the urethra. The prostate’s main function is to produce semen, the fluid that contains sperm and is released out of the body by the urethra during ejaculation.
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The Better Health Channel explains that during a man’s life, the prostate has two growth phases: one during puberty and another that begins when a man reaches 30 years of age. This second growth phase continues slowly over the decades, so the prostate gland continues to gradually increase its size as men age.
When the prostate gets large enough to put pressure on the bladder and squeeze the urethra,
urination becomes more difficult, says WebMD. The bladder muscles have to work much harder to force urine out of the narrowed urethra, and over time, the bladder becomes much stronger and more sensitive. The increased sensitivity can cause a sensation of needing to urinate frequently, even when there is only a small amount of urine in the bladder.
Enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is most often the cause of urinary difficulties in men. The symptoms include a weak urine stream, trouble starting or stopping the flow of urine, increased frequency of urination, and problems completely emptying the bladder, says WebMD.
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The Prostate Cancer Foundation says that while these symptoms are characteristic of BPH initially, over time, incontinence can also result from damage to the nerves and muscles in the area. Incontinence affects as many as half of all men who undergo surgery to remove the prostate following a prostate cancer diagnosis.
When urinary symptoms become severe, it is time to consult a physician, says WebMD. To treat urination problems in men with enlarged prostate, there are many prescription medications such as alpha-blockers that can help. Some natural herbal remedies also show promise in providing relief from urination problems.
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