Sunday, December 26, 2010

Urgency/ Frequency/ Nocturia/ Hesitancy of Urination: Am I suffering from Prostate Cancer ??

BPH or benign prostate hyperplasia is considered a normal part of the aging process in men and is hormonally dependent on testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. An estimated 50% of men demonstrate histopathologic BPH by age 60 years. This number increases to 90% by age 85 years; thus, increasing gland size is considered a normal part of the aging process. BPH involves the stromal and epithelial elements of the prostate arising in the periurethral and transition zones of the gland. The hyperplasia presumably results in enlargement of the prostate that may restrict the flow of urine from the bladder.

            In men, urine flows from the bladder through the urethra. BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate that blocks the flow of urine through the urethra. The prostate cells gradually multiply, creating an enlargement that puts pressure on the urethra. The signs and symptoms arise due this gradually over a period of time. Symptoms of enlarged prostate can include:
<A weak or slow urinary stream
>A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
<Difficulty starting urination (Hesitancy)
<Frequent urination
<Urgency to urinate
<Getting up frequently at night to urinate (Nocturia)
<A urinary stream that starts and stops
<Straining to urinate
<Continued dribbling of urine (Incontinence)
<Returning to urinate again minutes after finishing
When the bladder does not empty completely, you become at risk for developing urinary tract infections. Other serious problems can also develop over time, including bladder stones, blood in the urine, incontinence, and acute urinary retention (an inability to urinate). A sudden and complete inability to urinate is a medical emergency; you should see your doctor immediately. In rare cases, bladder and/or kidney damage can develop from BPH.

Author: 
Dr. Vijayendra S. Kanwar
Deptt. Of Urology, Kidney Transplant & Robotics,Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

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The opinions expressed in this blog must not be considered in lieu of medical advice. They represent opinions of the blog writer and resources. The articles are for information purpose only, and a formal medical advice should be sought before undergoing any treatment.