Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common condition that affects older men. It is usually not a serious threat to health.

The prostate is a small gland found only in men, located between the penis and bladder (see About the prostate on this page).

If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can place pressure on the bladder and urethra, the tube through which urine passes. This can affect how you pass urine, because it may cause:

1. difficulty starting urination
2. a frequent need to urinate
3. difficulty fully emptying the bladder

These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Many men worry that having an enlarged prostate means that they have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. This is not the case. Men with prostate enlargement do not have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to men without an enlarged prostate. 

How common is prostate enlargement?

Prostate enlargement is a common condition associated with ageing. Around 60% of men who are aged 60 or over have some degree of prostate enlargement.

The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but most experts agree that it is linked to changes in hormone levels in a man’s body due to ageing

Prostate enlargement is not usually a serious threat to a man’s health.

In some men, the symptoms are mild and do not require treatment. In others, symptoms can be very troublesome and have a major impact on their quality of life.

There are several treatments available for prostate enlargement, including:

1. lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and caffeine
2. medication
3. surgery

Symptoms:

Many men with an enlarged prostate have no symptoms. Common symptoms may include the following:

1. Difficulty starting urination

2. Dribbling of urine, especially after urinating

3. A sense of not emptying the bladder

4. Leaking of urine

5. More frequent urination and a strong and sudden desire to urinate, especially at night

6. Blood in the urine