MILLIONS of men in the UK are living with an enlarged prostate.
It’s not usually serious and often doesn’t cause any symptoms at all, but it can require treatment. Here is everything you need to know.
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What is an enlarged prostate?
The prostate is a small gland found in the pelvis between the penis and the bladder.
If it becomes enlarged, it can put pressure on the bladder and the urethra – the tube that urine passes through.
The medical term for this is benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).
It is not cancerous and does not raise your risk of developing prostate cancer.
What causes it?
The exact cause isn’t known, but doctors say hormones likely play an important role.
“One theory is that as some men and anyone with a prostate gets older, the levels of a type of hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increases, which may stimulate the growth of the prostate,” the NHS says.
Another theory suggests that two other hormones – testosterone and oestrogen – are involved.
“Younger men and anyone with a prostate produce high levels of testosterone and much smaller levels of oestrogen,” the NHS adds.
“But as they get older, levels of testosterone decrease, which means they then have a higher proportion of oestrogen in their body.
“It’s been suggested that the relative increase in oestrogen may stimulate prostate growth.”
Research also shows that rates are higher among men with high blood pressure and diabetes, but these are both associated with the natural ageing process so there may not be a direct connection.
What are the symptoms?
Because of its location, an enlarged prostate can affect how you go to the toilet. It may cause:
- Difficulty starting to pee
- A frequent need to pee, especially at night
- Problems fully emptying your bladder
- A weak flow
- Dribbling urine after you finish
- A sudden urge to urinate
But not all men will experience symptoms.
It is diagnosed through urine samples, blood tests, liquid charts, symptom assessments, and physical examination.
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How common is it?
An enlarged prostate is very common in men over the age of 50.
About one in three men aged 50-plus have urinary symptoms, and an enlarged prostate is the most common cause.
Yale Medicine estimates about half of all men aged 51 to 60 have an enlarged prostate, rising to 70 per cent aged 60 to 69, and 80 per cent of men over 70.
Does an enlarged prostate require treatment?
Many men with an enlarged prostate won’t require any treatment, though they will be monitored for any changes.
For others, the condition can cause symptoms which need medical attention.
This could include medication, such as finasteride and dutasteride or alpha blockers, to reduce the size of the prostate and relax the bladder.
Surgery is usually only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to drugs.
Common procedures include a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which involves cutting away a section of the prostate, and a bladder neck incision (TUIP), which involves widening the urethra so it’s easier to pee.
Most sufferers are also encouraged to drink less alcohol and exercise more.
Bladder training – which aims to increase the time between urination and the amount of urine your bladder can hold – is another option.
King Charles, 75, will undergo a “corrective procedure” for his enlarged prostate. It is not known which one.
Buckingham Palace said: “In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
“His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.
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“The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”
Are there any dangers?
Complications are rare, but include urinary tract infections (UTIs), chronic urinary retention (when you cannot empty your bladder fully), and acute urinary retention (the sudden inability to pass any urine).