What is the outlook for prostate enlargement?

BPH is not considered life-threatening or even a serious condition for most men.

Prostate enlargement can become dangerous in the following situations:
- When the bladder is not emptying fully with each urination there is a greater risk of urinary infection
- When the prostate puts so much pressure on the urethra that no urine is able to pass out of the bladder. Urine retention can be very painful and the patient will need immediate medical attention to insert a catheter
- In severe circumstances, BPH can cause kidney failure or damage to the kidneys

With the right treatment and lifestyle changes BPH is not a dangerous condition.

BPH and lifestyle changes

When the symptoms of BPH are managed effectively there is no reason why an enlarged prostate should have an impact on a man’s quality of life.

Small lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of BPH without the need for medications. These include:
- Reducing the intake of caffeine and alcohol, which irritate the bladder and exasperate symptoms¹
- Exercising regularly¹
- Limiting the intake of liquid two hours before going to sleep¹

Getting BPH treatment

BPH is more likely to become dangerous if left untreated.

Consultant Urologist, Mr Christopher Eden, recommends that men experiencing urinary symptoms should visit their GP and request a referral to a urologist.

Is there a relationship between BPH and prostate cancer?

Medical research has found no link between prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. The difficulty with BPH and prostate cancer is that they both occur in the same organ, creating a very similar set of symptoms and they affect men of a similar age.

Mr Christopher Eden
Consultant Urologist

Reference:
1. NHS Choices – Prostate enlargement outlook. Date last updated: 13.07.2011. Website:
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Prostate-enlargement/Pages/Treatment.aspx