The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. Where the prostate is located can explain why it may cause urinary problems when men experience enlargement of the gland as they age.
The prostate gland, about the size of a walnut, is positioned below the bladder, surrounding the urethra, which carries urine and semen from the body. Its main function is to secrete fluid that forms part of the semen to carry sperm made in the testicles into the urethra. The semen leaves the body during ejaculation as part of the reproductive process.
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The normal prostate weighs from 20 to 30 grams, but can increase up to 100 grams if it becomes enlarged, known as benign prostate hyperplasia.
Because of where the prostate is located in the body, near the rectum, a digital rectal exam can determine inflammation and swelling caused by an enlarged prostate. The method is also used to diagnose prostatitis, an infection of the prostate, and prostate cancer. Some men may experience embarrassment because the doctor inserts a gloved finger in the rectum for examination, but the procedure takes only a couple of minutes.
Prostate enlargement occurs throughout a man’s life, but symptoms don’t usually occur until after age 40. Symptoms may not be experienced until after age 60 for more than half of men,
according to the Kidney & Urology Foundation of America.
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Where the prostate is situated, it causes pressure on the urethra as it enlarges, and the surrounding tissue does not expand. As the pressure builds, the bladder wall becomes thicker, leading to urinary problems. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include more frequent urination, an urgency to urinate, or a weak urine flow.
Over time, an enlarged prostate can cause more severe symptoms, such as an inability to control urination, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, bladder damage, or kidney damage. Urinary symptoms are also involved in prostate cancer, so a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test may be recommended.
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