Prostate adenoma is commonly first suspected when there is a noticeable change in the pattern of the initial morning urination. When the condition is present, the interval before the first urge to urinate becomes noticeably longer than in healthy men, a trend that often catches patients and even some clinicians off guard. This perspective comes from Nikolai Grigoriev, a professor and head of the urology clinic at the EMC, who serves as a practicing urologist at the European Medical Center. He notes this shift in urinary timing as a key early clue for many patients who otherwise feel fine in daily life. (Source: EMC/urology department)
Grigoriev explains that many patients report normal urine flow when they first visit a doctor. The underlying reason is that the symptoms of prostate adenoma typically progress slowly, giving individuals time to adapt and not perceive a problem. Yet, a careful assessment of urinary frequency and flow rate often reveals a slow but steady decline in function, signaling a developing obstruction. This observation aligns with how the disease advances, even when patients feel largely asymptomatic between visits. (Source: EMC/urology department)
The doctor points out that the urethra runs through the prostate, which sits just below the bladder in male anatomy. This anatomical arrangement explains why certain urination-related complaints arise with prostate diseases, including adenoma. As the prosthetic tissue enlarges, it can impinge on the urethral channel, altering the ease and reliability of urination. (Source: EMC/urology department)
According to Grigoriev, age-related changes begin to appear after age forty in many men, and these changes can contribute to the development of adenoma. The onset of the condition is linked to shifts in how urine is produced and expelled, with initial signs including difficulty initiating urination and, in more advanced cases, a need to strain or push to complete the flow. This progression reflects a gradual narrowing of the urinary passage rather than a sudden, dramatic event. (Source: EMC/urology department)
Medical professionals emphasize that the disease often unfolds slowly, making early symptoms easy to overlook. Early detection is crucial, even when no obvious signs are present in everyday life. In practice, ultrasound evaluation of the prostate is a straightforward and widely available diagnostic approach. This imaging method is accessible in most medical facilities and laboratories. Regular screening is particularly advised for men over forty-five, with a recommendation to undergo a prostate ultrasound at least once per year as a preventive measure. (Source: EMC/urology department)
In light of these considerations, clinicians advocate a proactive stance on male urologic health. Early ultrasound screening can identify changes before they become severe, enabling timely discussion of treatment options and lifestyle adjustments. While there is no single symptom that acts as a definitive alarm bell, a combination of slower urination, delayed start, and a sense of incomplete emptying should prompt medical evaluation. (Source: EMC/urology department)
Overall, the message is clear: prostate health matters, and routine monitoring starting at midlife can help catch issues early. By staying informed about urinary patterns and seeking evaluation when changes occur, men can access appropriate care sooner, reducing the risk of complications and preserving quality of life. (Source: EMC/urology department)