Enlarged Prostate - Basic Information

The prostate is a gland that produces seminal fluid. It’s located in front of the rectum and below the bladder, and surrounds the urethra. A prostate that’s enlarged is a common but sometimes exasperating consequence of aging. Because of its placement in the body, signs of an enlarged prostate include frequent and difficult urination as the growing gland presses against the urethra and irritates the bladder.

Causes Uncertain

Medical professionals aren’t exactly sure what causes an enlarged prostate. The only sure thing about it is that it occurs mainly in older men and doesn’t occur in men who were castrated before puberty. This causes medical professionals to believe that the condition has much to do with both aging and testosterone. Some believe that the decreasing testosterone levels that come with age allow estrogens, which men also produce in small amounts, to increase. The estrogens might stimulate cells in the prostate to grow. Other people believe that dihydrotestosterone, a derivative of testosterone, controls the prostate’s growth. Higher levels of DHT might also encourage the prostate to grow.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a more serious problem than an enlarged prostate, because the prostate is inflamed. In younger men, prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection that’s traveled from another part of the body and attacked the prostate. Prostatitis symptoms are pain between the scrotum and the rectum, fever, burning, frequent urination and pus or blood in the urine. Chronic prostatitis also involves burning urination, lower back pain and impotence. If prostatitis advances, urination becomes more and more difficult. This can lead to cystitis and infection of the kidneys.

Remedies

Natural remedies are available for prostatitis and enlarged prostate, and the patient should consult with their doctor before undertaking them. Vitamin A, the B complex vitamins, Vitamins C, E and zinc are known to support the health of the prostate. The patient might also avoid alcoholic drinks, spicy foods and should avoid very cold weather if they’re suffering form prostatitis.

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