Starting at the age of 40, the prostate begins to grow under the influence of some male hormones, growth factors and other factors. While in some men it grows to be about 30-40 grams or 1 ounce, in others it can grow to be over 100 grams or more than 3 ounces. Evidence for this benign or non-cancerous growth can be found in nearly all men in their 80’s, and in about 60% of men in their 60’s. This growth takes place in the part of the gland that surrounds the urethra, the so-called central or transition zone of the prostate. It is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH and is a very common cause for urination problems in men. Some of these symptoms are caused by the pressure upon the urethra and the increased difficulty in getting the urine out. However, the exact cause of all the symptoms is still not well understood.

Figure 2.                                                                                                                                              

Normal prostate and normal bladder                                                                      

Figure 3.

Enlarged prostate gland (BPH) bladder with thickened wall

More information:

The Prostate

Symptoms

Diagnostic Evaluation

Treatment

Return to Prostate Disease Center

For more information about the Department of Urology, contact:

Phone: 214-648-4765, FAX: 214-648-4789

Mailing Address: 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., J8.148, Dallas, TX 75390-9110