Share

Prevalence of enlarged prostate

accreditation
There is no accepted definition of what comprises BPH. The first microscopic changes of hyperplasia tend to develop in the prostate around age 35. All men eventually develop BPH if they live long enough.

Only ±50% of men with histological (microscopic) evidence of BPH will have symptoms related to their prostatic enlargement. An enlarged prostate gland will not necessarily cause obstruction or symptoms.

The clinical syndrome (symptoms and signs) related to prostatic enlargement goes by many different names, including BPH, LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms), prostatism and bladder outflow obstruction.

50% of men aged 51-60 years and 90% of men over 80 years have histological BPH. However, only 25% of 55-year-old men and 50% of 75-year-old men will have bothersome symptoms related to their prostatic enlargement.

Read more:
Protect your penis while pedalling

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE