Dr Leslie Gellman

Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE)

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a gland located in the lower urinary tract, under the bladder and around the urethra. Only men have a prostate. It produces the fluid which carries semen. The prostate has smooth muscles which help to push out the semen during ejaculation. A healthy prostate is about the size of a large walnut and has a volume of 15-25 millilitres. The prostate slowly grows as men grow older. 

Benign prostatic enlargement.

Prostate diseases are usually associated with older age. They can cause bothersome symptoms in the lower urinary tract in men over the age of 50. These symptoms may be caused by an enlargement of the prostate, a condition which is known as benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Other conditions can also cause these symptoms and your doctor will take this into account. 

Benign prostatic enlargement is a common condition. It is related to hormonal changes which happen as men grow older. Prostate diseases can be very worrying but it is important to know that BPE is not prostate cancer. BPE does not become prostate cancer, even if it is left untreated. However, both benign prostatic enlargement and prostate cancer may develop with age and coexist. You should consult your urologist to discuss any of your concerns.

What are BPH, BPE, and BPO?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common benign condition which happens to some extent in all men. This condition is related to hormonal changes ...

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