Benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate enlargement occurs most commonly in men over the age of 50. If the gland becomes enlarged it can put pressure on the bladder and the urethra, causing unpleasant symptoms. If you have an enlarged prostate you may have a persistent need to urinate but it will be difficult to actually urinate. You may struggle to begin urinating or not be able to empty your bladder fully. You could also be overcome by sudden powerful urges to urinate with limited time in which to get to a toilet. Severe cases of enlarged prostate could cause incontinence. There may be blood in your urine. You could also get a bladder infection or kidney damage as a complication of prostate enlargement.

If your prostate enlargement only causes mild symptoms, your doctor may just suggest regular visits for a prostate check to monitor the situation and give you lifestyle advice. Things you can do to reduce irritating symptoms include:
• Avoiding substances that aggravate the bladder, like tea, coffee and alcohol
• Not drinking before you go to bed
• Exercising (not less than 30 minutes a day)



Trans-uretral Resection of the Prostate

This is a surgery to remove tissue from the prostate to reduce pressure on the bladder. This is done by inserting a loop into the urethra that has been heated by radio waves. It can be done with a local anaesthetic.

Laser Removal

Excess prostate tissue can also be removed by laser and has fewer side-effects than the standard surgery. For instance, there is a procedure called KTP laser vapourisation which involves inserting a cystoscope with a laser into the urethra which then fires laser energy to burn off the prostate tissue.

Visit Mark R. Feneley

If you are having persistent urinary symptoms and you would like an expert opinion, you can ask your GP for a referral to Mark R. Feneley or call him directly to book your personalised one to one appointment at his Harley Street Clinic in London.