PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT OR BPH

Download: Prostate Enlargement (BPH) fact sheet PDF (111kb)

What is prostate enlargement or BPH?

BPH refers to benign prostatic hyperplasia, or hypertrophy, the most common disease affecting the prostate gland.  As men grow older, the prostate grows.  There is an increase in both the number of the smaller glands in the prostate, and the stroma.

Because of its position around the urethra, this enlargement of the prostate causes the urethra to narrow and puts pressure on the base of the bladder.  This can affect the passing of urine in a number of ways.

BPH is not a life threatening condition, but if left untreated for a prolonged period of time, it has the potential to cause problems with the function of the bladder, and less commonly, the kidneys.

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How common is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a widespread problem that increases with age, and affects nearly all men.  It can start after the age of 40.  Some men do not have any symptoms even though their prostate may have started to grow larger.  BPH usually becomes more of a problem over time.  Almost one in four men aged 40 – 49 years receive treatment for prostate problems, and this increases to three in every four men aged 70 years and older⁵.

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What is the difference between hyperplasia and hypertrophy?

Hyperplasia means an increase in the number of cells while hypertrophy refers to an increase in cell size.  In medical literature, the two terms are both used to describe BPH.

⁵ Holden CA, McLachlan RI, Pitts M, Cumming R, Wittert G, Agius P, Handelsman DJ and de Kretser DM. Men in Australia Telephone Survey (MATeS): A national survey of the reproductive heatlh and concerns of middle-aged and older Australian men. Lancet 2005; 366:218-24

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