As men grow older, it’s common to see changes in their prostate gland, specifically an enlargement beyond what might be expected. Typically, a man’s prostate starts off approximately the size of a walnut, but with time, it can grow to resemble the size of an apricot. This change brings about the question, “What is a Normal Prostate Size?” The enlargement often results from a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatic hypertrophy. Contrary to some misconceptions, BPH is not an indication of cancer. However, it’s noteworthy that as the prostate enlarges, it can exert pressure on the urethra—the tube responsible for transporting urine out of the body. This can potentially lead to various urinary problems. It’s also essential to understand the role of prostate capsules in maintaining prostate health and potentially alleviating some BPH symptoms. Although many men with BPH experience no symptoms at all, staying informed about the changes and the importance of regular check-ups is vital for overall prostate health.
Size
The prostate gland is an organ in male reproductive health. It sits directly in front of the urethra, surrounding its segment connecting with bladder neck. This chestnut-sized gland secretes seminal fluid which then combines with sperm cells to form semen.
Normal prostates weigh roughly 25 grams. They begin growing during puberty and again around age 25, and remain relatively constant through most of a man’s lifetime. But with age comes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), wherein an otherwise normal-sized prostate becomes enlarged – potentially growing three times its original size!
When the prostate enlarges it can place pressure on the urethra, leading to symptoms including painful or difficult urination. BPH is a widespread condition among older men; however it doesn’t increase risk for prostate cancer.
Doctors use various methods to measure prostate size, such as serial planimetry and orthogonal plane measurement. One of the most accurate techniques is prolate ellipsoid formula which uses largest anteroposterior diameters in height, transverse diameter and cephalocaudal width measurement to calculate volume – however this process can take time and requires special equipment; some patients with small enlarged prostates are advised to attempt “watchful waiting” prior to seeking treatment.
Structure
The prostate resembles a cone in shape and consists of five lobes and three zones that lie directly in front of both the bladder (an organ which stores urine) and penis, covering them both by prostatic fascia – a sheet of thick connective tissue covering.
The prostate’s apex points downward, and its superior surface connects with the anterior surface of the bladder neck. Its posterior surface contacts seminal vesicles and ampulae of vas deferens; additionally, this area touches urethra, which transports semen from penis to rectum and out of body.
Under the influence of male hormones (testosterone and its metabolite dihydrotestosterone), men who are under the influence of male hormones like testosterone may notice that their prostates grow during adolescence before remaining stable up until around age 45, when it begins growing irregularly and places pressure on their urinary tract and makes passing urine difficult. Enlarged prostates create pressure that impairs normal functioning and makes passing urine difficult or impossible altogether.
The peripheral zone, comprising 70% of a young adult prostate, can be distinguished from its central gland by a thin capsule, making its outline clear on T2-weighted images. Unfortunately, however, its boundaries often merge imperceptibly at its apex with myoelastic/fibromuscular stroma and the striated muscle fibers of bladder neck musculature as well as at its base with the fibromuscular fascia of urinary bladders, rendering MR imaging ineffective at delineating its boundaries clearly.
Symptoms
Men over age 50 often suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While this doesn’t increase your risk of prostate cancer, it can create embarrassing and irritating urination problems that disrupt daily routine.
The prostate gland is an integral component of male reproductive system that forms part of the urinary tract. It sits below the bladder and surrounds urethra (tube used for carrying urine out of body). The main purpose of prostate is adding seminal fluid to sperm before they are released during ejaculation.
At birth, the prostate weighs approximately one pea and continues to expand until around age 20 when it stabilises at around 15-20g. After this point, however, some men’s prostate becomes unstable and starts enlarging causing them to experience backache and other discomfort.
An adult male prostate typically measures four inches wide by three inches long and two centimeters thick. You can feel its back half by placing your hand between your bladder and rectum or by touching directly the rectum, where its soft rubbery feel can be felt.
As your prostate enlarges, it can compress parts of the urethra and make it difficult for you to empty your bladder. This may result in symptoms such as feeling the urge to urinate immediately but only being able to do it sporadically or slowly dribbling out like an open faucet. Furthermore, you may feel an urgency to visit the bathroom more frequently – even at night time!
Treatment
The prostate gland sits below the bladder in front of the rectum and surrounds part of the urethra – the tube used to carry urine (pee) and sperm out of the body. Over time, as men age their prostate may enlarge, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which does not result in cancer; usually symptoms don’t show until later life and BPH may lead to problems with urination such as dribbling after peeing and having to get up frequently during sleep to pee.
Treatment for BPH generally begins with lifestyle modifications and medicines such as alpha blockers like Tamsulosin and Alfuzosin which help relax prostate muscles at their bases and the bladder base, or anticholinergics like Oxybutynin and Soprolol for relaxing the urethra.
Doctors can test your prostate for growth using either a digital rectal exam or blood test measuring prostate specific antigen (PSA). An elevated PSA level, above 50, indicates your prostate has grown but doesn’t indicate prostate cancer – there may be many reasons such as infections and diseases of the prostate that could increase it further. Ultrasound imaging may also be used to look closely at your prostate and may require biopsies for analysis of suspicious tissue samples for accurate diagnoses of cancerous lesions.
