As men get older, the cells of the prostate begin to swell, which increases the size of the prostate. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which means extra growth of normal (non-cancerous) cells. This isn’t usually serious, but sometimes the prostate grows so large that it puts pressure on your urethra (bladder outlet obstruction).

This can make it difficult for you to pass urine (pee) and may cause other urinary symptoms such as:

•  Hesitancy during micturition,

•  Interrupted or decreased urine stream (volume and flow rate),

•  Nocturia

•  Incomplete voiding

•  Urinary retention

Because of the squeeze on your urethra, you may have to use a lot of pressure to pass urine. In the long term, this can damage your bladder and kidneys.

Treatment options usually include making lifestyle changes for mild symptoms, as well as medication and surgical procedures such as Rezum, iTind, Aquablation and prostate artery embolisation.