The prostate is a small, unpaired organ located in the pelvic cavity just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra passes through the thickness of the prostate gland.
The structure and function of the prostate gland
The prostate is made up of smooth muscle fibers and secreting cells. The main function of the gland is to secrete secretions, which are involved in the liquefaction of the ejaculate, ensuring the movement of sperm and protecting them from the aggressive environment of the vagina. The prostate gland is also a valve that prevents the flow of urine during ejaculation and seminal fluid during urination.
The weight of the prostate of a healthy adult man is only about 20 g. The hormones of the pituitary and adrenal glands, androgens, estrogen have a great influence on his condition. During life, the size of the prostate can change: in boys it is small, during puberty the prostate increases significantly. When the secretion of hormones begins to wane (usually this occurs at the age of 45-50), the reverse development of the gland normally begins.
However, the opposite process often occurs: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate adenoma.
What is prostate adenoma?
This disease has many synonyms: prostate adenoma, benign prostatic hyperplasia, benign prostatic nodular hypertrophy and others.
The name reflects the essence of the pathological processes occurring in the gland - the glandular tissue grows, forming dense nodules. The size of the prostate increases, causing compression of the urethra and spasm of smooth muscle cells. This leads to the appearance of the symptoms of the disease.
The size of the prostate has no direct effect on urinary impairment. Symptoms may be absent with a significant increase or appear in the early stages of the disease.
BPH has benign growth, that is, it does not metastasize. This basically distinguishes BPH from prostate cancer. The main reference point for the onset of malignant transformation of the prostate gland is the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA).
Causes of BPH
According to statistics, in men under the age of 30, the signs of BPH are generally absent. With age, the incidence of BPH increases, reaching a peak by the ninth decade of life (90%).
The causes of prostate adenoma are still not fully understood. Prostate adenoma is believed to be multifactorial in nature. The role of the male sex hormone testosterone has long been known in both the normal growth of the prostate gland and the development of BPH. It is known that men aged 40 to 50 have a deeper restructuring period of hormone regulation, while there is a decrease in the level of circulating testosterone in the blood. A decrease in the amount of testosterone and a relative increase in the level of estrogen (female sex hormones) in the male body leads to the growth of the prostate gland.
The change in hormonal ratios in the man's body was the starting point in the study of the causes and mechanism of development of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition to hormonal disorders, the inflammatory process, accompanied by prostate edema, is important in the development of prostate adenoma, as it can play an important role in increasing the number of prostate cells, and organ edema, as a mechanical factor, contributes a intensification of the symptoms of the disease.
Prostate adenoma symptoms
Enlargement of the prostate gland leads to compression of the urethra and causes smooth muscle spasms. This process is accompanied by impaired urination:
- the need to wake up at night to empty the bladder;
- a decrease in the tension of the urine stream;
- feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder after urination;
- the appearance of difficulty in restraining the urge to urinate;
- increased urination during the day;
- low volume urination.
Often, the above symptoms are accompanied by difficulties at the beginning of the act of urination, which is most pronounced in the morning and makes you strain to start urinating. These symptoms are the reason for seeking medical attention.
Treatment of prostate adenoma
The course of the disease significantly worsens the quality of life, and the lack of adequate treatment can cause surgery. Given the progressive nature of this disease, drug therapy for BPH should be continued for a long time. Depending on the prevalence of symptoms, therapy can vary significantly. Pharmacotherapy eliminates urinary problems, reduces ailments and restores the quality of life. You should also be aware that prostate adenoma can be asymptomatic or cause non-specific urinary problems that do not resemble the classic picture of the disease. This deceives patients and wastes them precious time. But the sooner treatment is started, the more effective it is.
BPH prevention
There are currently no specific prevention methods. One of the preventive measures is the annual visit to the urologist after 40 years. At the appointment, the doctor will be able to assess the symptoms, conduct the necessary examination and prescribe effective treatment.