Prostate enlargement Whakawhānuitanga repe tātea
Prostate gland enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is an overgrowth of prostate cells that can cause problems. It is common in men as they reach age 40 and above. It is not prostate cancer, but prostate checks are still important.
Symptoms of prostate enlargement
Many men do not have any symptoms with a larger prostate gland. But for some it causes problems with weeing (urinating). This is because the larger gland can tighten around your urethra, the tube your wee passes through.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland include:
- trouble starting the flow of wee
- trouble stopping the flow, or dribbling
- a weak stream of wee
- flow stopping and starting
- often having an urgent need to go to the toilet
- feeling the need to wee more often, sometimes with small amounts or none coming out
- getting up more than once at night to wee
- leakage of wee (incontinence).
Diagnosing an enlarged prostate
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms.
They might also carry out a digital rectal examination. This is when they gently insert a lubricated gloved finger into your back passage to examine your prostate by feeling it.
You may also have:
- a blood test to check your kidney function
- a blood test to check for PSA, a specific prostate test
- an ultrasound scan of your kidneys and bladder.
Treatment for an enlarged prostate
If you only have mild symptoms, you may not need any treatment.
If needed, your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine such as doxazosin or finasteride to help improve your wee (urine) symptoms.
You may benefit from surgery if you have:
- severe symptoms that do not improve with using a medicine
- a total blockage of the urethra (urinary retention).
Surgery to treat an enlarged prostate gland is known as a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).