BPH -  is caused by an increase of non-cancerous cells in the prostate resulting in a constriction of the urinary tract which can affect the flow of urine. It affects around 2.5 million men in the UK. Symptoms may include the need to pass urine frequently; an urgency to pass urine; difficulty in passing urine; a burning sensation or pain when passing urine; the need to get up during the night to pass urine. These symptoms can affect daily life but many men suffer in silence due to embarrassment in seeking medical help.  If the symptoms are left unchecked it may lead to acute retention of urine which, in severe cases may lead to kidney failure.  There are a number of treatment options available depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Prostatitis - is a less common condition where the prostate becomes inflamed, usually due to a bacterial infection and can be treated successfully with antibiotics.  

Prostate Cancer -  is becoming more common, accounting for 23% of new male cancer diagnoses each year.  It is rare in men below 50 but increases with age. By the age of 80, it is estimated that 60 - 70% of men will have prostate cancer, although  most will die from other causes as the cancer usually grows slowly.  Symptoms for prostate cancer can be similar to BPH but may also include blood in the urine, lower back pain or pain in the hips or pelvis.

There are a number of tests to diagnose prostate cancer. For men over 50, it is wise to have a rectal examination by the GP to check for abnormal enlargement of the prostate. A blood test which checks Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is also available from the GP.  PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and rises with age. A high reading may indicate prostate cancer but further tests are needed for confirmation by a specialist doctor.  Like most cancers that are caught early, prostate cancer can be treated successfully using a variety of treatments.