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What physiological problems do you think might be caused by an enlarged prostate?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — also called prostate gland enlargement — is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.
What typically causes an enlarged prostate?
The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and changes in the cells of the testicles may have a role in the growth of the gland, as well as testosterone levels. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.
What does having an enlarged prostate mean?
An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is not cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer.
How does an enlarged prostate feel?
Symptoms of enlarged prostate can include: A weak or slow urinary stream. A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Difficulty starting urination.
What does it mean when your prostate is enlarged?
What does elevated prostate levels mean?
Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels can be a sign of prostate cancer. It can also indicate noncancerous problems such as prostate enlargement and inflammation.
What is an enlarged prostate?
An enlarged prostate is simply a gland that increased in size. It is not caused by cancer. Another medical term is benign prostatic enlargement, where benign means there’s no cancer. Another name is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
What is benign prostate enlargement (BPE)?
Benign prostate enlargement (BPE) is the medical term to describe an enlarged prostate, a condition that can affect how you pass urine. BPE is common in men aged over 50. It’s not a cancer and it’s not usually a serious threat to health.
What is prostatic hyperplasia of the prostate?
Thus, in prostatic hyperplasia, there are more prostate cells (2). However, they remain the same size as normal prostate tissue. Such an increase in the number of cells causes an enlarged prostate. It usually starts in men after the age of 40.
What factors increase the risk of prostate cancer?
Therefore, anything that speeds up this process may make prostate cancer more likely. For example, androgens (male hormones), such as testosterone, promote prostate cell growth. Having higher levels of androgens might contribute to prostate cancer risk in some men.