Enlarged Prostate BPH FAQs

Benign prostatic enlargement can present in several different ways. Initially men may notice that they experience a reduction in flow or pressure. This can be associated with an increase in daytime frequency and more night time visits to the toilet

It is possible to have a normal PSA whilst still having prostate cancer and as such the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand continue to recommend GPs and urologists perform this test.

There has been a great deal of controversy regarding the utility of a PSA test. There have been concerns of false positives (ie having an elevated PSA in the absence of prostate cancer), which can lead to anxiety and invasive tests such as prostate biopsies. In addition men can have a normal PSA yet still have prostate cancer. Current guidelines endorsed by the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand are that for men of average risk (ie without a family history of prostate cancer), who are aware of the risks and benefits be offered a test every second year between the ages of 50-69.

There are three main conditions affecting the prostate gland. These include inflammation or prostatitis, enlargement or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and prostate cancer.