What it is
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder, wrapped around the first part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
In benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) the gland grows and can squeeze the urethra, making it harder to empty the bladder. It is not cancer and does not turn into cancer, but its symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, which is why a specialist assessment matters.
Draft diagram: to be validated by Dr. Greco before launch.
Normal and enlarged prostate
- Bladder
- Prostate · surrounds the first part of the urethra
- Urethra · can be compressed when the prostate grows
Simplified diagram, not to scale.
Common symptoms
- A weak or stop-start stream
- Difficulty or delay when starting to pass urine
- Needing to go often, including at night
- Sudden urges that are hard to put off
- Feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
- Dribbling at the end of urination
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a conversation and a urology examination. Depending on the case, during the same visit or later on:
- prostate and bladder ultrasound, measuring how much urine remains after voiding
- uroflowmetry, to measure the strength and pattern of the stream
- urine tests and, where appropriate, a PSA blood test, interpreted together with the specialist
- symptom questionnaires, also useful to track changes over time
Treatment options
Treatment depends on how much the symptoms affect your quality of life and on the test results. There are several options, chosen together:
When not to wait
Do not wait for your scheduled appointment if you experience:
- being unable to pass urine despite the urge (acute urinary retention): go to the emergency department straight away;
- blood in the urine, fever or pain together with urinary symptoms: contact a doctor without delay.
Frequently asked questions
What is PSA and what does a high level mean?
PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and measured with a blood test. A raised level does not automatically mean cancer: it can also go up with prostate enlargement, inflammation or infection. It should always be interpreted by a specialist, together with an examination and, if needed, further tests.
What is prostatitis?
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate and can also affect young men. The acute form, usually caused by bacteria, brings fever and pain and needs prompt treatment. The chronic form causes pelvic discomfort or pain and urinary symptoms that persist over time. Treatment depends on the type and the cause.
Is an enlarged prostate linked to prostate cancer?
They are two different conditions: benign enlargement does not turn into cancer. They can, however, occur at the same time and cause similar symptoms, which is why regular urology check-ups remain important.
This page provides general information and does not replace a consultation: every situation needs to be assessed by a specialist.