Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Treatment in London
An enlarged prostate is a common part of ageing for many men. Although it is not cancerous, it can cause frustrating urinary symptoms such as a weak flow, frequent trips to the toilet or waking at night to pass urine. These symptoms can gradually affect sleep, confidence and day-to-day life. There are, however, a range of ways to manage them.
Our consultant urologists take the time to understand how your symptoms are affecting you, explain the available options clearly and help you choose an approach that reflects your needs and priorities.
What is an enlarged prostate?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate is positioned beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As the prostate grows, it can narrow the urethra and make it more difficult for urine to pass freely.
BPH becomes increasingly common with age. The urinary problems it causes are often referred to as lower urinary tract symptoms, or LUTS.
An enlarged prostate is not prostate cancer and does not develop into prostate cancer. However, some urinary symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so a proper assessment is important both to identify the cause and provide reassurance.
When symptoms are left untreated, they can affect sleep, everyday activities and quality of life. In some cases, they may lead to complications such as difficulty emptying the bladder. The good news is that BPH can be managed effectively. The right treatment will depend on your symptoms, the characteristics of your prostate and what matters most to you.
Common symptoms
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate can affect the way you start, continue and finish passing urine. You may experience one symptom or several.
A weaker stream
A slow, weak or interrupted urinary flow. You may also find it difficult to begin passing urine or need to strain.
Going more often
Needing to pass urine more frequently, experiencing sudden urgency or waking during the night to use the toilet, known as nocturia.
Not emptying fully
A feeling that your bladder has not emptied properly, dribbling after passing urine or needing to return to the toilet soon afterwards.
How we assess an enlarged prostate
A careful assessment helps establish the cause of your symptoms, how much they are affecting you and which treatment options may be suitable.
Symptom assessment
A structured questionnaire can help assess the severity of your symptoms and monitor changes over time.
Flow rate test
This straightforward, non-invasive test measures the strength and pattern of your urine flow.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan can assess the size of the prostate and check how well the bladder empties after passing urine.
Examination and PSA
A clinical examination and, where appropriate, a PSA blood test can help build a fuller picture and identify whether further investigation is needed.
Our BPH treatments
From function-preserving procedures to established surgical treatments, there are several options for managing an enlarged prostate. Your consultant will talk through the treatments that may be appropriate for your prostate, symptoms and priorities.
iTind
A temporary device reshapes the prostate over a few days and is then removed. No permanent implant and no tissue removal.
Aquablation
Robotically-controlled and heat-free waterjet treatment that removes obstructing tissue with imaging guidance.
HoLEP
Holmium laser enucleation removes obstructing tissue and is effective even for large prostates.
TURP
The long-established and highly effective surgical benchmark for relieving obstruction.
Prostate artery embolisation
An image-guided procedure that shrinks the prostate by reducing its blood supply.
Bladder neck incision
A quick minimally invasive cut to relieve obstruction in selected men with smaller glands or a tight bladder neck.
Choosing the right treatment
There is no single right treatment for every enlarged prostate. The most suitable option depends on your individual circumstances.
For mild symptoms, lifestyle changes or medication may be enough. If symptoms become more troublesome, or medication is not suitable, is unwanted or has not helped sufficiently, a procedure may be considered.
Your consultant will consider factors such as the size and shape of your prostate, the severity of your symptoms, your overall health and your personal priorities. This may include how important preserving sexual and ejaculatory function is to you. Procedures such as UroLift and iTind are designed with function preservation in mind, while HoLEP and TURP may be considered for more significant obstruction or larger prostates.
Your consultant will explain the potential benefits, limitations and possible side effects of each appropriate option, so you can make an informed decision.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic in London for Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Treatment?
A broad choice of treatments
A range of minimally invasive and surgical options means treatment can be matched carefully to your symptoms and prostate.
Function-preserving choices
Where suitable, treatments designed to preserve sexual and ejaculatory function can be discussed openly as part of your consultation.
Consultant-led throughout
You will be assessed by a consultant urologist who can recommend an approach based on your symptoms, prostate and priorities.
Direct access in London
Self-referral is welcome for appointments at The Forbury Clinic, 45 Queen Anne St, London W1G 9JF.
Frequently asked questions
Is an enlarged prostate the same as prostate cancer?
No. BPH is a benign enlargement of the prostate and is not cancer. It does not turn into prostate cancer. As some symptoms can overlap, your consultant will assess you properly to identify the cause of your symptoms and provide reassurance.
Do I have to have surgery?
Not always. Milder symptoms may be managed with lifestyle measures or medication. Procedures may be considered if symptoms are having a significant impact on your life or other approaches have not helped. Several treatment options are minimally invasive.
Will treatment affect my sex life?
This depends on the treatment chosen. Some procedures, including UroLift and iTind, are designed to preserve ejaculatory function. Other treatments may carry a greater likelihood of affecting ejaculation or sexual function. Your consultant will explain this clearly for the options that may be suitable for you.
How do you decide which procedure is right for me?
Your consultant will consider your symptoms, the size and shape of your prostate, your general health and what matters most to you. They will then explain the treatment options that are appropriate for your situation.
How quickly can I be seen?
Please contact our team to discuss appointment availability. You can self-refer, so a GP referral is not required to arrange a consultation.
Book your consultation today
Consultations are available to book online for patients with or without a GP referral. Our private specialists provide world-class care in a discrete environment.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0118 920 7055
- Location
The Forbury Clinic London, 45 Queen Anne St, London, W1G 9J
