Before we begin: Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common problem in men over 50. Learn about the symptoms and treatments.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about enlarged prostate (bph). We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is the prostate? The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It lies just below the bladder. It makes fluid that is part of semen.
What is an enlarged prostate (BPH)? An enlarged prostate is when your prostate gland becomes larger than normal. It’s also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH for short. Benign means not cancer. And hyperplasia means too much cell growth. BPH isn’t cancer and it doesn’t increase your risk of getting prostate cancer.
Usually, the prostate gland continues to grow during adult life. That’s why BPH is the most common prostate condition in people over age 50. As the prostate gets bigger, it may press against the bladder and pinch the urethra. This can slow or block the flow of urine out of your bladder.
Over time, the bladder muscle may become weak from trying to pass urine through a narrow urethra. When this happens, your bladder may not empty completely when you urinate. A narrowed urethra and weak bladder cause many of the urinary problems you may have with BPH.
What causes an enlarged prostate (BPH)? Researchers aren’t sure why the prostate keeps growing. Some researchers think changes in hormones with aging may cause the prostate to get bigger.
Who is more likely to develop BPH? You’re more likely to develop BPH if you:
Are age 40 or older. The chance of getting BPH increases as you get older.
Have family members who have had BPH.
Have certain health conditions such as:
Obesity.
Heart disease and problems with blood circulation.
Type 2 diabetes.
Erectile dysfunction.
Don’t get enough physical activity.
What are the symptoms of BPH? Symptoms of BPH include:
Having a frequent or urgent need to urinate
Waking up many times to urinate
Having problems with urine flow, such as:
Trouble starting to urinate
A stream that's weak, slow, or stops and starts
Dribbling after urination
Urinary incontinence
Feeling that you can't completely empty your bladder
Pain after ejaculation or during urination
Urine with an unusual color or smell
It’s important to see your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms because they could be from a more serious health problem.
You should get medical help right away if you:
Can’t urinate at all
Have fever and chills with urination that’s painful, frequent, and urgent
Have blood in your urine
Have pain in your lower abdomen (belly) and urinary tract
What other problems can BPH cause? For most people, BPH doesn’t cause other problems. But BPH increases your chance of developing serious conditions, including:
Acute urinary retention. With this condition, you suddenly can’t urinate at all. This a medical emergency. Acute urinary retention is common in older males and the chance of having it increases with age. It may be triggered by:
Taking certain over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines
Drinking alcohol
Cold temperatures
Not moving enough over a long period of time
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Bladder damage and bladder stones
Kidney damage
How is BPH diagnosed? To find out if you have BPH, your provider will:
Ask about your medical history. Be sure to tell your provider about all the medicines you take, because certain medicines can make BPH symptoms worse.
Ask about your family health history.
Examine you. The exam may include a digital rectal exam (DRE) of your prostate. In a DRE, your provider inserts a gloved finger into your rectum to check if your prostate is large, tender, or irregular in any other way.
Order medical tests, if needed, such as:
Urine tests.
A PSA blood test (prostate-specific antigen test).
Urodynamic testing to see how well you can hold and release urine.
Cystoscopy to look inside your urethra and bladder.
Ultrasound pictures of your prostate and urinary tract.
A prostate biopsy to diagnose or rule out prostate cancer.
What are the treatments for BPH? Not everyone needs treatment for BPH. Treatment options depend on how much your symptoms bother you, your health, age, and the size of your prostate:
Lifestyle changes may improve mild symptoms. They include:
Drinking less before bedtime or going out
Avoiding or cutting back on beverages with caffeine and alcohol
Bladder training and exercising the muscles that control urine flow
Preventing or treating constipation
Medicines can help mild to moderate symptoms by:
Stopping the prostate from growing
Shrinking the prostate
Relaxing muscles to improve urine flow
Sometimes combining 2 types of medicine helps more than taking just one type of medicine.
Medical procedures can help improve moderate to severe BPH symptoms when medicines don’t help enough. There are several different types of procedures. They all use an instrument inserted into the urethra to either:
Widen the urethra
Destroy part of the prostate with heat
Surgery may be helpful when symptoms are severe, other treatments haven’t helped, or you have another problem, such as bladder damage. Different types of surgery are used to:
Remove part or all of the prostate
Make cuts in the prostate to take pressure off the urethra
Most BPH surgery is done with tools inserted into the urethra.
Your provider can explain the possible benefits and side effects of your treatment options so you can decide what’s best for you.
Can BPH be prevented? Researchers haven’t found ways to prevent BPH. You can take care of your prostate health by:
Talking with your provider about your risk for developing an enlarged prostate
Getting regular checkups
Paying attention to your symptoms so you can get treatment early if you see signs of BPH
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Also known as: benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Related topics: BPH, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.
Categories: Male Reproductive System.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Key Takeaways
Understanding enlarged prostate (bph) is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.