Q&A Prostate symptoms and treatments explained

What is an enlarged prostate and what are the symptoms?

King Charles revealed he is undergoing a procedure for an enlarged prostate. He made the medical news public knowledge in the hope that it would encourage more men to get theirs checked. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a benign prostate enlargement?

Also known as benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH, prostate enlargement is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which is normally about the shape and size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). It tends to get bigger as men get older. While the condition is uncommon in younger men, about one in three men over the age of 50 has urinary symptoms and the most common of these is an enlarged prostate.

What are the symptoms?

Not everyone with an enlarged prostate gets symptoms. But as the prostate grows, it can press on the outside of the urethra, causing it to become narrow. This can slow down or sometimes even stop the flow of urine when you try to use the lavatory. Symptoms can include difficulty starting or stopping urinating, straining when feeling unable to empty the bladder and prolonged dribbling after passing water.

How is it diagnosed?

There are several different tests to find out if you have an enlarged prostate. Your GP may conduct a rectal examination and order a blood test to check that your kidneys are working properly. They may also advise you to have a prostatespecific antigen (PSA) blood test, as well as a urine test, to see if you have diabetes or an infection. Some tests may be needed to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms to BPE, such as prostate cancer.

What are the treatments?

There are a number of medications that can help, including alpha blockers that relax the muscle in your prostate gland and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors which shrink the prostate gland if it is enlarged. About 18,000 men a year have surgery when cases are severe.

What should you do if you have symptoms?

Speak to your GP if you notice any change in urinary symptoms.