It’s not known why the prostate grows, but the prostate typically continues to grow throughout adult life. This growth is usually slow and may not become noticeable until later in life, when it can cause urination problems, problem to empty the bladder, and a bladder with less capacity to hold urine.
The growth is connected to testosterone, and some medical treatments reducing a type of testosterone in the man can shrink the prostate. It’s the same active compound that some men take to not lose their hair.
The common type of prostate operation, the Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) was invented in 1926 by Maximilian Stern, who developed the resectoscope, the instrument used for the procedure, to cut and remove prostate tissue under direct vision, by entering the tool through the urethra.
Many other methods have been invented since, but TURP is still the preferred method by many doctors.
Other methods for treating the prostate via the urethra include, steam, microwaves, and laser to kill off parts of the prostate, achieving the same result as TURP, but with less inconvenience and side effects for the patient.