Using this guide What's covered
Here you’ll find the answers to many of your questions about surgery for a benign (non-cancerous) enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Learn how the surgery works, what it may cost, what your recovery may be like, and more.
To see how this surgery is done, view our animation below. For personal insights, see our patient experience videos in which HCF members talk frankly about their preparation, surgery and recovery.
Cost indicator
Discover the typical out-of-pocket costs HCF members can expect to pay for surgery for a benign enlarged prostate and learn how your choice of doctor and hospital affect that cost.
THE BASICS
What is the prostate gland?
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland that produces and secretes the fluid in a man’s semen. It’s located at the base of your bladder and wraps around your urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from your bladder out through your penis.
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-cancerous condition where your prostate grows larger due to the growth of normal cells within your prostate gland. This puts pressure on your urethra which can make urination difficult. It commonly affects men over 60 and is caused by hormonal changes.
What is prostate surgery?
Prostate surgery removes part, or all, of your prostate gland.
Types of prostate surgery
There are several types of prostate surgery and they can be performed using a variety of methods. Your surgery will depend on your symptoms and condition as well as your general health, your surgeon’s skills and your personal preference.
Why is it done?
Because your prostate gland wraps around the upper end of your urethra, any enlargement in the prostate gland can restrict normal urine flow, causing symptoms such as difficult, painful or frequent urination.
In most cases it’s not a serious condition but it can cause other problems including acute retention of urine (where you can’t urinate at all). This is a medical emergency.
THE DETAILS
CONSIDERING SURGERY
Treatments to consider before opting for surgery
There may be non-surgical alternatives, depending on your circumstances.
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Types of prostate surgery and how they’re performed
There are several different ways to perform prostate surgery.
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Results vs risks of the surgery
The benefits and potential complications of surgery.
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Choosing a specialist
How to find a urologist who specialises in your surgery.
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Preparation
Questions for your doctor
What you should be asking before going ahead with prostate surgery.
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Preparing for your surgery
What you need to do before your procedure.
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Your anaesthetic options
About the anaesthetic and post-op pain relief.
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Your surgery
Going to hospital
What to expect on the day of your surgery.
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Your surgery
What happens in the operating theatre.
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RECOVERY
After your surgery
What happens before you go home.
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Aftercare
Taking precautions and resuming activities.
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Patient experiences
Men who’ve had surgery for an enlarged prostate talk about their preparation, hospital stay and recovery.
View videos
GIVE US FEEDBACK
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know what you liked or what we can do to improve it. We'd love to hear from you.
To provide feedback, email us at wellbeing@hcf.com.au.
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SECOND OPINION
Eligible HCF members can get a free second opinion on their health condition from a certified, practising medical specialist.
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Search for specialists who participate in our Medicover no-gap or known-gap scheme.
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Search for providers who participate in our More for You program. Find physios, chiros, podiatrists and more.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.