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What is an enlarged prostate? -

The prostate is a small gland that sits just below the bladder and encompasses part of the urethra. For men and those assigned male at birth age, it's not uncommon for the prostate to grow larger while not being cancerous. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

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King Charles III -

In early 2024, King Charles III underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate at a private London hospital. Charles shared his prostate diagnosis with the public in the hopes that those with symptoms of BPH would get themselves checked.

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How common is benign prostatic hyperplasia? -

By age 60, approximately 50% of people with a prostate will have some signs of BPH. By age 85, around 90% will have symptoms of the conditions. 

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Is an enlarged prostate cancerous? -

An enlarged prostate itself is not dangerous, but the symptoms can affect your quality of life. 

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When to seek medical advice? -

See a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of an enlarged prostate, even if the symptoms are mild. Any blood in your urine must be investigated by a doctor to rule out serious conditions.

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Frequent urination -

An enlarged prostate places pressure on the bladder and the urethra and can affect the passing of urine, including frequent urination eight or more times a day.

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An urgent need to urinate -

Not being able to postpone urination is one of the symptoms of BPH. 

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Difficulty initiating urination -

Those with BPH may have difficulties commencing a urine stream.

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Interrupted or weak urine stream -

A stream of urine that is weak or gets interrupted is a sign of BPH.

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Nocturia -

Nocturia is the need to get up at night regularly to urinate. It is a common symptom of BPH.

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Dribbling or leakage at the end of urination -

If you experience dribbling or leakage after completing urination, it may be time to see a doctor. 

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Urinary retention -

If you struggle to completely empty the bladder after urinating, this is called urinary retention and is a sign of BPH. 

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Discomfort during urination -

Experiencing pain during or after urination could be a sign of BPH.

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Unusual color or odor of urine -

Keep an eye out for any noticeable changes in the color or smell of your urine, as it could indicate BPH.

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Urinary incontinence -

Accidental loss of urine may be an indicator that you have BPH.

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Size of prostate vs symptoms -

Prostate size doesn't always determine the severity of the symptoms. Less than 50% of people with prostates have lower urinary tract symptoms.

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What happens if an enlarged prostate is left untreated? -

Serious conditions, including urinary tract infections, complete blockage of the urethra, bladder infections, and kidney damage, could arise if BPH is left untreated.

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How is benign prostatic hyperplasia diagnosed? -

During an appointment with your healthcare provider, they will perform a rectal exam to feel the edges and surface of your prostate and detect any hard areas that could be cancer. 

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How is benign prostatic hyperplasia diagnosed? -

Your healthcare provider may also complete a survey to evaluate the severity of your symptoms and a urine flow test to measure the speed of your urine stream.

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What causes benign prostatic hyperplasia? -

It is currently unclear what causes BPH, but one theory is that it's due to hormonal changes. Older people assigned male at birth also have higher levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which increases the size of the prostate.

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How is BPH treated? - Various medications, including tamsulosin and finasteride, can alleviate symptoms and improve urine flow.

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How is BPH treated? -

If you continue to have trouble urinating and surgery is not suitable for you, your healthcare provider may provide you with a catheter to drain your bladder. 

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How is BPH treated? -

There are several types of surgical procedures available that can remove the prostate tissue that blocks your urethra. 

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How is BPH treated? -

There are now treatments available that are less invasive and damaging to healthy tissue than surgery. They tend to have fewer side effects and allow for a faster recovery. However, not much is known about their long-term effects.

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Alternative treatments -

Your doctor should not offer you herbal treatments, homeopathy, or acupuncture to treat BPH symptoms as there is not enough reliable evidence regarding their safety. Herbal supplements may also interact with any medication you're taking.

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Lifestyle changes - Diet -

Research suggests a healthy diet, alongside other lifestyle changes, may lessen BPH symptoms and is key for optimal prostate health. 

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Lifestyle changes - Diet -

A poor diet may worsen BPH. It's best to avoid processed foods, sugars, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, and sodium. 

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Lifestyle changes - Drinking less fluid in the evening -

Reduce the amount of fluids you drink in the evening and avoid drinking anything two hours before you go to bed to avoid getting up to urinate during the night.

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Lifestyle changes - Exercise -

Research suggests regular exercise may reduce the risk of BPH and help those with BPH manage their symptoms.

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Lifestyle changes - Bladder training -

Bladder training involves techniques to help you control the urge to urinate and increase the time between bathroom trips. It aims to improve bladder control and reduce frequent urination.
Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (NHS) (Midwest Institute for Non-surgical Therapy)
See also: Things you didn't know can happen to men's bodies

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