Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlargement (BHE) is quite common in older men. It is a benign condition and is NOT prostate cancer. Some enlargement of the prostate is usual in most men from age 50 onwards. If the enlargement is sufficient to squeeze the urethra, which passes through the prostate, difficulties with urination may occur. BHP is quite common – though not life threatening, it may be treated. Treatment of BPH may require antibiotics, or, in more developed cases, an operation to widen the urethral passage. This is known as a trans urethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Under a general anaesthetic, an instrument is passed up the urethra through the penis and some of the prostate is removed to improve urine flow. This procedure usually involves a few days in hospital, with a catheter installed during recovery.
