October 13, 2008

Font Size
A
A
A

Enlarged Prostate (cont.)

Enlarged Prostate Causes

The prostate gland, which is normally about the size and shape of a walnut, wraps around the urethra between the pubic bone and the rectum, below the bladder. In the early stage of prostate enlargement, the bladder muscle becomes thicker and forces urine through the narrowed urethra by contracting more powerfully. As a result, the bladder muscle may become more sensitive, causing a need to urinate more often and more suddenly.

As the prostate grows larger and the urethra is squeezed more tightly, the bladder might not be able to fully compensate for the problem and completely empty. In some cases, blockage from prostate enlargement may cause repeated urinary tract infections and gradually result in bladder or kidney damage. It may also cause a sudden inability to urinate (acute urinary retention) -- a medical emergency.



Next: Enlarged Prostate Symptoms »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

eMedicineHealth is a first aid and consumer health information site written by physicians for patients and consumers.
WebMD Symptom Checker - Start Here

Why Men Don't Go to the Doc Why Men Don't Go to the Doc
Experts say "American men live sicker and die younger than American women." Here are some explanations as to why.See more WebMD Videos »

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow

Search Medical Dictionary