Prostate Enlargement

I wish to share the above illustrations which I have downloaded from internet search so that we are able to visualize the impact of enlarged prostate putting pressure on the urethra thus causing urination and bladder problems. When Dr. C.S. Loh, the Urologist, told me that my prostate enlargement was 3 times its original size, I could imagine that it had grown from the size of a walnut to more than the size of a golf ball.

Accordingly, as the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the sex gland to press against the urethra like a clamp on a garden hose. The bladder wall becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself, so some of the urine remains in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and partial emptying of the bladder cause many of the problems associated with enlarged prostate, often called BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).

Studies done on animals have suggested that BPH may occur because the higher amount of estrogen within the gland increases the activity of substances that promote cell growth. Some research has indicated that older men continue to produce and accumulate high levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the prostate. This accumulation of DHT, a substance derived from testosterone in the prostate, may encourage the growth of cells. Scientists have also noted that men who do not produce DHT do not develop BPH.

I am now on the recovery stage after green light laser surgery at Gleneagles Intan Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, on 15 December 2008. I used to have 5 – 6 times urination at night before the surgery. Now it has been reduced to 1 – 2 times and I can sleep quite well without frequent interruption.

My next appointment with the Urologist will be on 23 February 2009. I was told by Dr. C.S. Loh that a test will be carried out to detect PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) and also to repeat a uroflow test to measure my urine flow and volume.

I am anxious to find out whether my prostate has shrunken over a period of 9 weeks after the laser surgery thus allowing the urine to flow more freely. More important to me is that my bladder will be able to empty the urine completely.