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Conditions

Urinary health · Urology

Benign prostate enlargement

Understand the term BPH, put urinary symptoms in context and prepare for a conversation with your doctor.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous growth of the prostate, a gland below the bladder. It can obstruct urine flow. BPH and prostate cancer can occur together: symptoms alone cannot tell them apart.

Possible symptoms

Possible symptoms include a weak or interrupted stream, difficulty starting, incomplete emptying and frequent urination, including at night.

Causes and associated factors

Age and hormonal changes appear to play a role. The exact cause is uncertain; family history is an associated factor.

Diagnosis

Your doctor reviews symptoms, medicines and their impact. Assessment may include a rectal examination and a urine test.

Tests

Depending on the situation, further assessment may include urine flow measurement or ultrasound. A PSA blood test requires discussion: a single result cannot confirm or exclude cancer.

Course of the condition

The course varies. Poor emptying may lead to retention, infections or stones; kidney function can also be affected. Follow-up looks for these complications.

Care options

Depending on symptoms and assessment, your doctor may suggest monitoring, medicines or a procedure. Complications and your general health inform this choice. Discuss expected benefits, side effects and follow-up.

When to consult

See a doctor for new or persistent urinary symptoms. Note when they began, how often they occur and their effect on sleep and daily life.

Urgent help

Unable to urinate, severe pain, blood in the urine, or urinary symptoms with fever and chills: seek urgent medical help without delay.

Questions for your doctor

  • What explains my symptoms?
  • What is each proposed test looking for?
  • Is monitoring suitable for me?
  • What benefits and side effects should I expect, including effects on sexual function?
  • When should we review things, and who should I contact if they change?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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