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Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (also known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy)
is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate. Unlike prostatitis, BPH
tends to keep the prostate enlarged indefinitely without contraction.
The reasons for it tend to be unknown – although it appears
that the endocrine system plays a role – and seem to occur
the most frequently in men of the ages of 45-55.
This time of life in men, also known as Male
Menopause, tends to cause a shift in the hormones produced by
the body – specifically testosterone. The hormonal imbalance
may cause deposits to form in the prostate or for it to go through
excessive conversion of DHT. Other abnormalities of the body, such
as hyperthyroidism (which affects
the endocrine system) may have a direct correlation to the expansion
of the prostate as well as the onset of premature ejaculation.
The incidence of BPH, which afflicts only about 1 out of 5 men
in their 40s, rises to 1 in 4 men by age 55, 1 in 2 by age 75, and
4 out of every 5 men over the age of 80. Because of the prostate’s
position at the junction of both the urethra and seminal vesicles,
this disorder can interfere with urination and sexual functioning
just as prostatitis does. Symptoms include a reduced caliber and
force of urine stream, an increased urgency to urinate through the
day (including awakening frequently to urinate at night), or in
some extreme cases, the inability to pass urine at all (urinary
retention).
In concern to premature ejaculation, the enlarged prostate affects
ejaculation control in the same manner as prostatitis. Stimulation
of the prostate is heightened. These problems are made even worse
from anal stimulation. Some extreme cases have even seen spontaneous
ejaculation while defecating or making the prostate extremely sensitive
and painful to the touch.
Cancer
 
Did you know Prostate Cancer is the number one type of cancer
for men in the US and Great Britain. |
The worst possible cause of an enlarged prostate is cancer. Why
the prostate is so susceptible to cancer is still under research.
Several causal links have been pointed out, but nothing is for certain
yet. Currently there is no direct correlation of cancer being a
result of prostatitis or BPH, but there are suspicions that they
add a greater risk factor to prostate cancer.
The prostate produces a substance known as the Prostate Specific
Antigen (PSA); a small amount continuously leaks into the bloodstream.
High levels of PSA can be associated with prostate cancer and is
usually used as an indicator for more tests when your blood is examined.
In contrast to some other types of cancer, prostate cancer can
be treated fairly effectively even when it has spread. It is however
very important to catch the disease at the earliest stage possible,
because it increases the chances of curing it and adds to the number
of available treatment options.
Vasectomy
A side effect of vasectomies tends to be a shift in hormones, primarily
testosterone. Because testosterone has been cut off to where it
is normally needed, toxins may build in the prostate. The hormonal
imbalance sometimes created may also lead to prostate growth and
exhibit some of the similar traits of Male Menopause.
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