Symptoms
Prostate gland enlargement varies in severity among men and tends to gradually worsen over time. Prostate gland enlargement symptoms include:
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Stopping and starting while urinating
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Increased frequency of urination at night (Nocturia)
- Straining while urinating
- Not being able to completely empty the bladder
- Urinary tract infection
- Formation of stones in the bladder
- Reduced kidney function
Causes
The prostate gland is the male organ that produces most of the fluid in semen, the milky-colored fluid that nourishes and transports sperm out of the penis during ejaculation (orgasm). It sits beneath your bladder. The tube that transports urine from the bladder out of your penis (urethra) passes through the center of the prostate. As the prostate enlarges, it begins to block (obstruct) urine flow.
Most men have continued prostate growth throughout life. In many men, this continued growth enlarges the prostate enough to cause urinary symptoms or to significantly block urine flow.
The main risk factors for prostate gland enlargement include:
Aging
Prostate gland enlargement rarely causes signs and symptoms in men younger than 40. By 55, about 1 in 4 men have some signs and symptoms. By 75, about half of men report some symptoms.
Family History
Having a father or brother with prostate problems means you’re more likely to have problems as well.
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