Benign prostatic enlargement is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.It refers to benign prostatic hyperplasia (increase in the number of cells) or hypertrophy (increase in cell size). Benign prostatic enlargement is the most common prostate disease in men. Typically, the prostate grows to the size of a walnut, but may begin to grow again when a man reaches middle age. The reasons for this growth are not fully known. By the age of 80, 80% of men have benign prostate enlargement. Benign prostate enlargement causes symptoms in many older men.

As the prostate is positioned around the urinary tract, the enlargement of the prostate makes the urinary tract narrow and puts pressure on the base of the bladder. Narrowing of the urinary tract can affect the passing of urine in a number of ways.

Benign prostatic enlargement 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.

What are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?

An enlarged prostate presses on the urethra. The pressure can obstruct the flow of urine through the urethra. Obstruction of the flow of urine can cause problems, including:

  • Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
  • Weak urine flow
  • Sudden urge to urinate (urgency)
  • Trouble starting and stopping your urine stream (hesitation)
  • Inability to completely empty your bladder
  • Pushing or straining to urinate
  • Pain or burning during urination

BPH Symptom Score Questionnaire

You can use the following American Urological Association (AUA) BPH Symptom Score Index to evaluate your enlarged prostate symptoms. Simply click the most accurate answer for each question. Your total score is automatically calculated, and you can use it to help determine the severity of your symptoms.

Scoring Key:
0 Indicates not at all
1 Indicates less than 1in 5
2 Indicates less than half the time
3 Indicates about half the time
4 Indicates mmore than half the time
5 Indicates almost always

How often have you had a feeling of not emptying your bladder completely after you finished urinating?
0
1
2
3
4
5
How often have you had to urinate again less than two hours after you finished urinating?
0
1
2
3
4
5
How often have you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?
0
1
2
3
4
5
How often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?
0
1
2
3
4
5
How often have you had a weak urinary stream?
0
1
2
3
4
5
How often have you had to push or strain to begin urination?
0
1
2
3
4
5
How many times did you usually get up to urinate from the time you went to bed at night until the time you got up in the morning?
0
1
2
3
4
5
0 - 7 = mild symptoms | 8 - 19 = moderate | 20 - 35 = severe
Your Score is

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Cystoscopy is an endoscopic procedure where a tube is inserted into the urethra through the opening at the end of the penis. It allows me to visually examine the complete length of the urethra and the bladder for polyps, strictures, abnormal growths and other problems.

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Urodynamic studies are performed to examine and assess the function and/or dysfunction of the lower urinary tract. Urinary assessment takes about 30-45 minutes to perform, and causes little discomfort. If cystoscopy is also performed the assessment takes approximately 60 minutes.

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Key aspects

From diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and research, I believe my highly experienced team and I bring a multifaceted approach to understanding and helping our patients. A summary of these key aspects of that approach is available here in PDF format. If you are suffering from prostate cancer or have reason to believe you might be, you are welcome to contact us or, intially, complete our comprehensive second opinion form.

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