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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH Prostate)
Enlarged prostate. BPH affects one third of men aged 50 in the UK, with occurrences increasing with age.
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland below the bladder. Your urethra (urine tube) runs through the prostate. A benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlarged prostate, the size of the prostate gland does increase with age, however a benign prostate hyperplasia is caused by an excess growth in prostate tissue.
BPH is not normally cancerous, but it can put pressure on the urethra by squeezing it, reducing the flow of urine from the bladder, and making it difficult to pass urine.
Need to know
There a number of symptoms associated with BPH, all classed as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS):
- weak urine flow
- hesitancy (urine stopping and starting)
- straining when urinating
- taking a long time to urinate
- incomplete emptying of the bladder
- bladder feeling full after urinating
- need to urinate urgently
- frequent trips to the toilet
- nocturia (getting up in the night to urinate)
- dribbling of urine
Your consultant may carry out a number of tests to find out if you have a benign prostate hyperplasia. These might include:
- physical examination, which may include a digital rectal exam (DRE)
- a urine test called a urinalysis
- blood tests, including a PSA screen for prostate cancer
- ultrasound scan to check for urine speed and flow, post-urination residue and your bladder's ability to hold urine
Depending on the outcome of these tests, your urologist may carry out further tests. These might include:
- rodynamic measurements
- transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)
We offer a number of treatments for BPH, including:
- drug treatments
- transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
- open prostatectomy
- water vapour therapy
Your consultant urologist will discuss your treatment options with you to help you find out which is right for you.
Our Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia locations
Women’s Health Centre
27 Harley Street W1G 9QP London
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.