Uncategorized

What is the norm for the size of the prostate gland

Since ancient times, the manifestation of male power has been a strong potency and a good erection. If an adult male does not have abnormalities in the work of the prostate gland, then problems in the intimate sphere become less likely. In order to prevent disturbances in the work of the prostate, we will find out the normal indicators of the volume of this organ.

Anatomical structure of the prostate

The prostate gland is a separate secretory organ that has two parts connected by an isthmus. The shape is associated with chestnut, has a dense elastic texture.

The gland is located near the bladder, just below it. The neck of the organ covers the nearest part of the urinary canal. Its ducts lead to the bladder, and the back of the prostate is adjacent to the wall of the rectum.

The main purpose of the gland is the differentiation of seminal fluid to dilute the ejaculate. During an erection, it is the prostate gland that closes the urinary tract. The substance secreted by the prostate contains vitamins, immunoglobulins and zinc ions.

Normative indicators of the size of the gland

The prostate gland develops in a healthy young person before the age of 22. This happens due to the growth of sex hormones. Then, throughout life, under the influence of various factors, the size of the prostate and its volumes change. They tend to grow. A small change in this case is not a deviation and should not be alarming.

To determine the actual size of the organ, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound scan. The data is needed by the doctor to determine the changes. The results show the norm and deviation from it in the individual case. If the size of the prostate is normal according to the results of ultrasound, then the image will reflect the organ with sharp contours and the correct structure. Symmetry with ideal parameters also matters.

Normal size of the prostate gland in men:

  • Along 24 to 40 mm;
  • Across from 27 to 42 mm;
  • Anterior- posterior from 15 to 25 mm.

The table below gives the norm by age volume.

age, years volume, cm3 age, years volume, cm3
thirteen 16.7 36 – 38 21.2
4 – 6 17.1 39-41 21.6
7 – 9 17.4 42-44 22.0
10 – 12 17.8 45-47 22.4
13 – 15 18.2 48 – 50 22.8
16 – 18 18.6 51-53 23.1
19 – 21 19.0 54-56 23.5
22 – 24 19.4 57-59 24.0
25 – 27 19.8 60 – 62 24.3
28 – 30 20.2 63-65 24.7
31 – 32 20.5 66 – 67 25.0
33 – 35 20.8 68 – 70 25.4

Changing the size of the prostate throughout life

The prostate is a very weak, sensitive organ, in particular for men aged 35-60. The size of the prostate changes throughout life, this process depends on many internal and external factors. Depending on age, hormonal levels and personal characteristics, the volume of the prostate changes.

By the period older than 50-60 years, the isthmus becomes thicker, as a result of which the excretory channels of the bladder are squeezed. The process is called prostate adenoma.

Prostate: normal size up to 50 years

Consider what are the sizes of the prostate and determine its norm according to age . The body has 4 stages of development:

  1. Infancy up to 10-11 years – the prostate gland is very small, about the size of a pea;
  2. Adolescence from 11-16 years old – the body increases dramatically;
  3. From 18 to 22 years old – the achievement of the end size of the prostate ;
  4. From 40 years and above – constant growth, an increase in performance every year.

Approximate indicators of the volume of the prostate up to 50 years are approximately 3.5 centimeters in length and 2 in thickness. They may differ slightly, due to the fact that the size and norm of this indicator depends on the characteristics of the body.

Maximum norm values in sizes:

  • Along 2.6 to 4.5 cm;
  • Anterior- posterior from 1.6 to 2.2 cm;
  • Across from 2.2 to 4.0 cm.

Prostate: normal size after 50 years

At the age of 50, another hormonal push appears in the body. Testosterone levels drop rapidly and estrogen levels skyrocket. Normal indicators during this period may differ by more than 20-30 times. At a young age, the prostate gland does not increase so quickly, so the young man does not experience any pain. Health problems at this age are often not observed.

Against the background of hormonal changes, iron increases in volume too quickly. The allowable volume at the age of up to 60 years is 39 cm3, it compresses the bladder, clamps the lumen of the urinary canals and narrows them more and more. Men feel a constant feeling of a full bubble and have difficulty emptying it. Pathology in the form of prostate adenoma is an almost normal phenomenon in the period after 60-70 years.

Why you need to know the size of the prostate

Every man needs to know the volume of the prostate, its norm by age. After all, knowing about the normal size of the organ, it is easy to identify the pathology and understand what led to it. As a rule, deviations occur in the elements and tissues of the organ.

Prostatitis and other pathologies that adversely affect changes in the prostate gland, its growth and failure in functions are not immediately manifested by their symptoms.

Most often, the diagnosis of prostate adenoma can be made at a later date, which leads to complex treatment and complications. An adult representative of the stronger sex aged 35-40 years is required to undergo an examination every six months.

How does the size of the prostate change in inflammatory diseases

In the presence of inflammatory processes in the prostate gland, the size of the organ also increases. This process is a deviation from the norm and requires correction. The disorder is most likely in men over 50 years of age. This is due to the weakening of the protective functions of the body. At this age, the immune system weakly resists microbes from the external environment and is not able to repel their attacks.

The growth of prostate parameters is associated not only with inflammatory processes, but also with the accumulation of pus and stones in it. When the cause of the increase is eliminated, the size of the gland immediately returns to normal. The most important thing is to measure the organ in time, and identify violations in its work. This will help observation and systematic examination. The doctor, with constant monitoring of the organ, promptly eliminates and prevents the identified malfunction, which will reduce inflammation.

What diseases does an enlarged prostate indicate?

With prostate adenoma, the parameters of the prostate gland change slightly. Against the background of changes in the structure, volume and elasticity of the organ, the prostate presses on the bladder and pain and discomfort occur during emptying. This is a kind of signal for contacting a specialist. If with the help of ultrasound a change in the size of the organ was noted, then this may indicate several diseases:

  1. Prostatitis;
  2. cystic neoplasms;
  3. prostate adenoma (BPH);
  4. Cancer;
  5. Stones in the prostate gland – calcifications .

If a serious illness is suspected, the specialist will refer the patient to a blood and urine test. This is necessary to detect the presence of a special protein in the body, called a tumor marker . The delivery of biomaterial will allow you to identify diseases at an early stage and start fighting them.

How to calculate prostate volume

Transrectal ultrasound helps to determine the volume of the gland . Unlike conventional analysis, it provides accurate data on the clinical picture. With this type of examination, several methods for calculating the volume of the gland are used:

  • The formula for the size of a truncated oval: Volume \u003d A x B x C x 0.52. A is the size of the organ along, B is the anterior -posterior, C is the size across.

The disadvantage of the calculation is inaccuracy against the background of the complicated clarification of specific data with the longitudinal dimensions of the prostate.

  • Volume \u003d C2xB x 0.52. B – anterior -posterior indicators, C – parameters of the transverse dimension.

The method gives a 100% result if the weight of the prostate is less than 80 grams.

  • Volume = C3 x 0.52.

C – the size of the gland across. In the calculations, the weight of the organ is more than 80 grams.

  • The planimetric method is used very rarely by specialists because of its painstakingness.

Prostate volume in men: methods for determining

In addition to calculating prostate parameters, there are several other effective research methods.

  • General analysis of blood and urine.

Blood is taken from a vein. A general study of the biomaterial reveals the presence of inflammatory processes in the body. In order to determine the pathogenic effect, it is necessary to know the decoding of the analysis.

For example, the excess content of indicators indicates the presence of harmful microorganisms. A bad result indicates a weakening of health. And an increase in the level of leukocytes is a clear indicatormalfunction of organ systems. The amount of ESR should not exceed 5 mm/h. Hemoglobin cannot be lower than 110 g/l.

  • Palpation

The principle of this survey is extremely simple. The doctor with the help of a finger penetrates through the anus to the organ and feels it. The study is the first in the chain and determines whether there are changes in the gland, whether it grows and whether the elasticity has changed with consistency.

Of course, the urologist will not name the exact dimensions, but will give an initial assessment of inflammation and the presence of other disorders. Helps him with pain when palpated. If suspicions arise, he will check them by prescribing other diagnostics.

  • Tomography

MRI is an examination that has a high efficiency. Using this option, the structure of the gland, the presence of cystic neoplasms and calcifications in it are checked. In this case, the parameters of the organ are clarified as accurately as possible.

The study does not give a complete picture of inflammation, but helps to determine its presence and clarifies the state of the process. The further list of actions is built on the basis of tomography.

  • X-ray examination

X-ray is rarely used, because it is the most painstaking. It requires complex preparation. The actions during the examination consist in the use of a contrast fluid, which is injected into the study area. Based on it, conclusions are drawn. The technique gives errors if all the requirements of preparation are not observed in a strict order.

  • Transabdominal and transrectal ultrasound

The most accurate results are guaranteed by ultrasound. It reveals the features of the structure, development of the gland. If there are results, calculations are carried out using formulas. The technique reveals the mass and volume of the organ. There are two ways to carry out the procedure:

  1. Transabdominal – examination through the abdominal cavity.
  2. Transrectal – an impact that requires the introduction of equipment into the rectum.

The second method is the most common and gives correct information about the deviation, changes in the echogenicity of the organ also make it clear about the presence of pathologies . The only drawback of the procedure is a slight discomfort during the procedure.

After taking the necessary measures to check the anamnesis, the specialist will prescribe treatment to the patient based on all the results of the study. The result of recovery will be more effective if all the doctor’s prescriptions are followed.

Remember that it is much easier to prevent a disease at the stage of mild deviations than in chronic and advanced situations.