It rarely occurs in men before age 40, and most commonly after age 60. Enlarged prostate is not prostate cancer, and is not life-threatening in and of itself. The main problem from an enlarged prostate is difficulty in urination, which may lead to blockage and infection and have a negative impact on quality of life. There are many treatment options for enlarged prostate, including new minimally invasive therapies that can be an alternative to traditional surgery.
Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.
All men over the age of 50 should have a regular prostate exam. Men of African-American descent or those with a family history of prostate cancer should begin regular screenings at age 40. Chances are you haven't given your prostate much thought. You may not even be sure exactly wait it is. But as all men get older, the prostate may become a source of problems, ranging from simply bothersome to serious.