Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate, is a common condition in men as they age. It occurs when the prostate gland increases in size, which can compress the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.
This pressure can cause a range of urinary symptoms, including:
- Difficulty passing urine
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- In severe cases, even kidney problems
We live in an age where men are starting to realise the importance of looking after themselves and their health needs. Prostate disease has received a lot of press coverage and consequently creates anxiety in men who may have urinary symptoms. Many men are therefore asking: “Should I have my prostate checked?”
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide expert care for men with BPH. Our experienced consultants offer tailored treatment plans to suit your individual needs, including medications, minimally invasive procedures, and advanced surgical options.
Who should seek treatment for an enlarged prostate?
You should consider speaking to a urologist if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- A weak or slow urinary stream
- Needing to urinate frequently, especially at night
- A feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied after urinating
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
BPH is not cancerous and does not increase your risk of prostate cancer, but symptoms can worsen over time without treatment. Early assessment by a specialist can help determine the most appropriate management for your individual case.
Consultants who treat enlarged prostate/BPH
If you’re seeking private BPH treatment with expert urologists in London, we’re here to help. We offer private treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in NW8, London with our expert urology consultants
Private BPH Treatment Options at Our London Clinic
Aquablation Therapy
A cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment that uses the power of water jet technology guided by advanced imaging to remove excess prostate tissue. Aquablation therapy is precise and effective, with a low risk of side effects.
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)
A modern laser technique to treat BPH by removing the enlarged prostate tissue, providing lasting symptom relief. HoLEP is particularly effective for larger prostates and ensures a quick recovery.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
A well-established surgical option where a portion of the prostate is removed through the urethra. TURP is highly effective at improving urinary flow and reducing symptoms of BPH.
How we diagnose BPH
Diagnosing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) starts with a comprehensive assessment by a Urologist. To determine whether your prostate gland is enlarged, a series of assessments and tests will be required. Some of these can be performed by your GP, while others may be conducted by a consultant urologist specialising in urinary conditions. We have a range of specialists in Urology that can assess the likelihood of an enlarged prostate.
- Medical questionnaire to evaluate urinary symptoms
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to check the size and shape of the prostate
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
- Uroflowmetry & bladder zcan
- MRI or ultrasound imaging
With these tests, your Urologist will determine the best treatment plan tailored to your condition.
Do you need surgery for an enlarged prostate?
For men with mild to moderate BPH symptoms, medications can often help manage the condition without surgery. Alpha-blockers help relax prostate muscles, improving urine flow, while 5-alpha reductase inhibitors reduce prostate size over time. In some cases, combination therapy is recommended for better symptom relief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enlarged Prostate Treatment
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We’re close to Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6), making us accessible to patients across the region.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, main routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our location ensures convenient travel for patients from across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
Prostatic Specific Antigens, PSA, is a protein that is produced by the prostate and is a normal component of the seminal fluid. It is normally found in the blood in small amounts. Men with an enlarged prostate usually have higher levels of PSA in their blood.
However, interpretation of the result can sometimes be difficult. This is because as men grow older, their PSA levels naturally increase. However, a PSA test alone can’t confirm BPH because other conditions can also cause elevated PSA levels such as prostate cancer, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), and even after physical exercise. Most enlargements of the prostate are not cancerous.
Not always. Mild symptoms can often be managed with medication or lifestyle changes. Surgery is typically recommended for more severe cases or when other treatments have not been effective.
If medical management isn’t effective, you may be offered a minimally invasive procedure or surgical treatment. The treatment options at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital include Aquablation Therapy, HoLEP, and TURP.
Your consultant will recommend the best option based on your specific needs.
The cost varies depending on the treatment recommended to you by your Consultant. To find out more, please contact us for a personalised quote on 020 7806 4060.
Of course! We have detailed information about each of the procedures we offer for enlarged prostates including:
- An in-depth information guide on Aquablation Therapy
- Procedure information on HoLEP
- Procedure information on TURP
Medically reviewed by Mr Leye Ajayi - MBBS MD FRCS FRCS (Urol) on 01/02/2025