An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can indeed influence bowel movements. While primarily associated with urinary issues, the prostate’s anatomical position means its enlargement can sometimes lead to uncomfortable bowel-related symptoms. Understanding this connection involves recognizing the gland’s location and how its growth can affect nearby structures.
The Prostate Gland’s Location and Function
The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped organ that is part of the male reproductive system. It sits directly beneath the bladder and wraps around the upper portion of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate is positioned in front of the rectum, separated by Denonvilliers’ fascia.
The prostate’s purpose is to produce a fluid that contributes to semen, providing nourishment and transport for sperm during ejaculation. Its muscular tissues also assist in pushing semen through the urethra. This proximity to the rectum and shared pelvic region can cause an enlarged prostate to exert pressure on the bowel.
How an Enlarged Prostate Can Affect Bowel Movements
An enlarged prostate can exert pressure on the adjacent rectum. This physical impingement hinders the rectum’s normal function, making it challenging for stool to pass effectively. The enlarged prostate can also compress the rectum, impeding its ability to accommodate stool or signal the need for elimination.
This compression can lead to difficulties in completely emptying the bowels. The enlarged prostate can also crowd nearby structures, obstructing the bowel and affecting movements.
Specific Bowel-Related Symptoms to Watch For
Pressure from an enlarged prostate on the rectum can manifest as several bowel-related symptoms. Constipation is common, characterized by infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, and abdominal discomfort. Individuals may experience difficulty passing stools, leading to a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
Straining during bowel movements can occur because the rectum struggles to expel stool due to external compression. This persistent straining can also increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids. Some individuals might notice changes in stool caliber due to the narrowed pathway in the rectum.
Common Urinary Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate primarily causes urinary symptoms because it surrounds the urethra. These include frequent or urgent urination, and nocturia (waking at night to urinate). Individuals may also experience trouble initiating urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream, or dribbling at the end of urination.
The bladder walls may thicken as they work harder to push urine through the narrowed urethra, leading to a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These urinary symptoms are the first and most noticeable signs of BPH.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms related to an enlarged prostate, whether bowel-related or urinary. Early evaluation helps in accurate diagnosis and rules out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as urinary tract infections, prostatitis, or prostate cancer.
Seeking medical advice is important if you notice blood in your urine, experience pain or burning during urination, or are completely unable to urinate. These can indicate a more serious underlying issue.