Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The prostate has two main growth cycles during a man's life.

• The first cycle occurs at puberty, growing twice in size.
• The second growth phase begins around the age of 25 and continues to grow non-stop over the years.
  

As the prostate grows, it presses against the urethra and the bladder wall thickens. Eventually one day, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself completely, leaving urine in it.

• Narrowing of the urethra (urethral stricture) and urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder) can cause many of the problems of BPH.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia means it is NOT cancer and is VERY common.

• 50% of men between 51 and 60 years of age have BPH.
• Up to 90% of men over the age of 80 suffer from problems related to benign prostatic enlargement.
  

In most men, prostate enlargement worsens with age. It can lead to bladder injury and infection, as well as bleeding in the urine (haematuria) and damage to the kidneys.

The size of the prostate does not necessarily determine the severity of symptoms. Some men with a mildly enlarged prostate may have significant symptoms, while others with a larger enlarged prostate may have only mild symptoms.

If you have urinary problems, even if your urinary symptoms are not bothersome, it is important to see a urologist.

Untreated urinary problems can lead to urinary tract obstruction. Acute urinary retention and damage to the kidneys can be serious health hazards.