Enlarged Prostate (Benign)

The prostate is a small gland in a man’s body below the bladder. It produces the fluid component of semen and grows naturally with age, so much so that more than 90% of men over 90 have an enlarged prostate.

Causes

It is not known what actually causes prostate enlargement but issues arise when the change in size puts pressure on the tubes that drain urine from the bladder.

An enlarged prostate causes difficulties with urinating including trouble starting to urinate, stop/start urination, difficulty stopping as well as a frequent need to urinate.  If not treated it can cause urinary tract infections, acute urinary retention, kidney stones, bladder stones and in severe cases it can lead to kidney damage.

An enlarged prostate does not mean you have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

There are a range of treatment options for an enlarged prostate which usually depend on the severity of your condition.

Diagnosis

To find out whether your prostate gland is enlarged, you will need to undergo a few assessments and tests.

Some tests can be carried out by a GP and, if needed, others will be carried out by a consultant who specialises in urinary problems (urologist).

Initial tests and assessments will usually include:

• Symptom review
• Physical examination – including abdominal, genital and rectal
• Blood test
• Urine test

The GP may refer you to a urologist or other appropriate specialist if:

• previous treatments have not helped your urinary problems
• you have long lasting or recurrent urine infections
• you cannot fully empty your bladder
• you have kidney problems
• you have stress incontinence, which is when urine leaks out at times when your bladder is under any pressure; for example, when you laugh or cough
• your prostate feels abnormal when you have a rectal examination

You may also be offered other tests, depending on your symptoms or the treatment you and your doctor are considering.

Treatment

Enlarged prostate treatment can include lifestyle changes, medication and surgery. We can surgically treat men with an enlarged prostate in a variety of ways including:

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
• Open prostatectomy
• Cytoplasty
• Urolift procedure
• Prostate artery embolization
• Intraprostatic injection
• Template biopsy of prostate

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Urology surgeon, usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation.  Treatment for an enlarged prostate is available at the One Ashford Hospital in Kent and the One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Enlarged Prostate (Benign) treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.