Prostate enlargement

BY Solomon ABUTOH

THe prostrate is a walnut-sized gland, located under the urinary bladder in adult male.

Functions: The prostrate gland has two broad functions:

(i) It controls flow of urine from the bladder, through the urethra; how well the urine flows depend largely on the size of the gland as the man ages.

(ii) In course of coitus, semen drawn from the testes through the vas deferens, obtains seminal fluids from the prostrate gland, thus deriving the force of ejaculation and hence the accomplishment or not of the process of fertilisation of the female egg (a key factor in reproduction).

ENLARGEMENT:

Studies have shown that men over 40 years of ages tend to experience enlargement of the prostrate gland from its original size thus, (warning signs) putting pressure on the urinary bladder. It has been estimated that 50 per cent of men over 50, and 70 will develop some kind of prostrate problem, (the ailment proper)

Prostrate enlargement is reported to be the second killer of men in the United Kingdom. It is also the leading cause of death amongst Nigerian men. It cuts across social class and race, it is known to have killed one of Africa’s richest Head of State, and a one-time long- serving President of France.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

(i) Difficulty in urinating (similar to that of Sexually Transmitted Disease)

(ii) Painful and interrupting ejaculation.

(iii) Sudden stoppage of urine flow, even when the urge is there.

MANAGEMENT:

(i) In other not mix up above symptoms with those of STD or any other disease related to the urinary system, a proper test known as Prostrate Specific Antigen (PSA) is desirable. This test, though an invasion one, will state clearly what the position of the prostrate is.

(ii) Where appropriate preventive measure are not taken, and urine ceases: catheter (a tube inserted through the groin to evacuate urine) becomes inevitable. This stage can be very painful indeed.

(iii) Surgical operation upon the prostrate gland itself.

Complications:

Operating upon the prostrate gland which is more like castrating the man brings with it the following complications: (i) Incontinence- Inability to control flow of urine. Except a proper urine adsorbing pad is put in place, such patients usually give off offensive odour.

(ii) Impotence: Any man whose prostrate has been tampered with cannot sustain an erection, thus adversely affecting his sexual life.

The prostrate gland is a very important gland in man’s reproductive system. Surgical operation, which is irreversible, should be a last resort. Taking appropriate preventive maintenance measures, could very well assuage what could turn out to be- surgical life of great discomfort, pain and frustration, and eventually death.