Prostate enlargement (BPH)

What is prostate enlargement?

The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the top part of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the end of the penis), just under the base of the bladder. As men age, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause prostate enlargement.

Prostate enlargement resulting from BPH is not the same as prostate cancer. On its own, BPH isn’t anything to worry about, but its symptoms can cause considerable discomfort, inconvenience and reduced quality of life.

BPH becomes more common as men age. About 50% of all men aged over 50 have BPH, increasing to over 80% for men aged 80 or older¹.

Symptoms of prostate enlargement

Many men with BPH have urinary symptoms because the region of the prostate that’s usually affected is beside the urethra. As the prostate enlarges, the urethra narrows and the normal passage of urine is impaired.

Symptoms of BPH can include:

• Changes in the strength of your urine stream
• Trouble starting to urinate, or dribbling urine towards the finish
• Needing to urinate more or less frequently than usual.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor.

Causes of prostate enlargement

Men are more likely to have BPH as they age and if they have metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a diet that’s low in fruit, vegetables and legumes¹.

There is a genetic component to BPH, so some men inherit an increased risk of prostate enlargement².

Testosterone stimulates cell division in the gland, causing prostate growth. Molecules involved in inflammation can also stimulate prostate gland cell division¹.

Diagnosis of prostate enlargement

Your doctor will ask you some questions about your urinary symptoms, perform an examination and probably test your urine. They may send you for blood tests or an ultrasound scan.

Diagnosing prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), involves a combination of medical history, physical exams, and specialized tests. Here are some common diagnostic methods:

Medical History and SymptomAssessment:

Doctors often begin by asking about urinary symptoms, such as frequency, urgency, or difficulty urinating. They may use tools like the “BPH Symptom Score Index” to evaluate the severity of symptoms.
Physical Examination:

A digital rectal exam is performed to check for prostate enlargement. The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland
Urine and Blood Tests:

These tests help rule out other conditions like urinary tract infections or kidney problems. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test may also be done to check for elevated PSA levels, which can indicate prostate issues
Imaging and Specialized Tests:

Ultrasound, urinary flow tests, and postvoid residual volume tests can measure the size of the prostate and assess bladder function. In some cases, a biopsy or cystoscopy may be required to rule out prostate cancer