As men age more male hormones such as testosterone collect in the prostate and in the blood stream. This testosterone is converted by the body into a more potent form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Too much DHT in the body causes varying reactions in different individuals, including male pattern baldness, excess body hair growth and cell multiplication, which eventually produces enlargement of the prostate.
This can eventually lead to uncomfortable symptoms and a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged, swollen prostate gland. The symptoms caused by this condition include frequent nighttime urination, difficulty in urinating, pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. Left untreated, a certain percentage of cases will lead to prostate cancer.

The prostate is a chestnut-sized male gland that lies between the bladder and rectum, wrapped around the urethra, a tube that leads from the bladder to the outside of the body. When the prostate enlarges, it can tighten around the urethra, putting pressure on it and making it difficult to urinate. This causes trickling and discomfort when urinating and frequent urination.

Sudden, severe infections of the prostate are usually caused by bacterial infections, which may spread from urinary tract infections or a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea. Pressure of the enlarged prostate against the urethra is the main cause of the urinary problems associated with the prostate. There is also thought to be a connection between prostate cancer and fungal infections. Good hygiene can therefore help protect the prostate. Don’t ignore symptoms, consult your family physician. Follow medications dosages and treatment guidelines carefully, as repeated for lengthy infections, especially due to sexually transmitted disease, increase the risk of prostate cancer.