Enlarged prostate is a common result of aging. The condition is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy. BPH is the most common, non-cancerous disorder of the prostate and the most frequent diagnosis by urologists in men over the age of 50. BPH is the abnormal growth of prostatic tissue, which surrounds and compresses the urethra.

This leads to difficulty in passing urine and to symptoms that can have a significant negative impact on quality of life, such as having to get up several times at night to urinate, or experiencing pain during urination.

As the prostate enlarges, it presses against the urethra like a clamp on a garden hose. The bladder wall becomes thicker and irritable and begins to contract, even when it contains only small amounts of urine. As the bladder weakens, it can lose the ability to empty itself completely. If left untreated, it can result in permanent damage to the bladder and kidney, as well as

• urinary tract infections
• bladder stones
• thickening of the bladder wall
• bleeding
• urinary retention (at a later stage)
• kidney failure

When BPH symptoms cause discomfort, embarrassment, sleep disruption or unwanted lifestyle changes, you should consider seeking treatment.