As a man gets older the prostate enlarges in some, but not all, men.
Why this happens in some and not in all men is not known. While an enlarged prostate does not always produce symptoms, sometimes only a slightly enlarged prostate can cause marked symptoms. So size in itself is not the only criterion. It is the pressure on the proximal urethra (urine tube) that is critical.
BPH is a natural ageing process. It is dependent on the presence of the male hormone testosterone.

Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

● feel as though you do not empty your bladder completely after passing urine
● have to pass urine more often than you used to
● have to pass urine very urgently (the urge is uncontrollable)
● have a weak stream of urine
● have a stream of urine that stops and starts
● have to wait before the flow of urine will start
● leak a few drops of urine after you think you have finished passing urine
● wake up often at night to pass urine
● get bladder infections
● plan your outings around accessibility to toilets (if there is no toilet facility then you might choose not go out)

These are the problems that an enlarged prostate can cause. These problems are due to the narrowing of the urethra.

Adapted From: Know your manhood. Lissoos I. KYB Pocket Books 1984. © Ronin-Do (Pty) Ltd
Used with permission from the publisher.