In case any member wondered – but didn’t like to ask – Arthur and Mick are taking Tamsulosin for what we call benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ). It’s one of the “ alpha blockers “ which relax smooth muscle, thus helping urine flow and obstructive symptoms ( like retention of urine in the bladder ).


BPH is common from middle age onwards, and appears to be due to altered male hormone production. There is an overgrowth of fibrous tissue, glands and muscle in the prostate which interferes with urine flow.


Size IS important – BPH may result in enlargement far more marked than with cancer. BPH is by definition NOT cancer. Of course such patients need clinical follow up and possibly surgical removal of part of the prostate if the drugs aren’t working.


Thanks ( again ) to Arthur and Mick, Marco and Michael, for contributing .