What to Look For: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms

You could spend your morning on the golf course, or your afternoon at the movie theater. But you may find yourself distracted, looking for the nearest restroom. You could get into bed at the end of the day, ready for a full night’s sleep. But you may be waking up several times in the night to get up and go to the bathroom.  
 
When your life is disrupted by urination issues, it may be time to learn more about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a condition that occurs when the prostate gland becomes enlarged. It’s very common, affecting about 50% of men by age 60 and up to 90% of men over 85.¹  
 
The prostate goes through two main periods of growth as you age: it doubles in size in your teens, and then continues to grow for the rest of your life.² As the prostate grows, it can squeeze the urethra, which is the tube through which urine leaves the body. The bladder wall may thicken, leading to either weakening of the bladder or making it harder to empty completely.²  
 
BPH does not result in cancer. But if left untreated, it can lead to more serious urinary, bladder and kidney problems.² 
 
It’s important to understand BPH symptoms, so you know when it’s time to speak with your doctor about the best treatment for BPH. 
 

There are two types of BPH symptoms:^3,4 

1. Obstructive symptoms, or symptoms caused by pressure on the urethra 
2. Bladder-related symptoms, caused by changes in the bladder 

Obstructive Symptoms 

Examples include:³ 

• Difficulty starting to urinate 
  
• Needing to strain or apply pressure  
  
• Having a weak stream 
  
• When you stop and restart urinating several times 
  
• Leaking or dribbling when you finish urinating

Bladder-related Symptoms

Examples include:^3,4 

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate 
  
• Not being able to fully empty the bladder 
  
• Waking up at night to go to the bathroom often, known as “nocturia” 
  

In addition to the obstruction and bladder-related symptoms, there are some urinary issues that may occur if BPH is left untreated. These include:⁵ 

• Urinary tract infection (UTI) 
  
• Bladder stones 
  
• Bladder infection 
  
• Blood in the urine 
  
• Kidney damage because of retaining large amounts of extra urine in the bladder 
  

It’s important to note that your prostate size is not necessarily related to how severe your symptoms are. Men with very enlarged prostates can experience mild urinary symptoms, while others with just slightly enlarged prostates can have serious symptoms.⁶ 
 
BPH symptoms can be different for each person. Mild or not, it's important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms.  
 
The good news is that there are several options available to treat BPH, including natural remedies, medications and in-office treatments like Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy.  
 
Speak with your doctor to determine which enlarged prostate treatment might work best for you. You can learn more about BPH treatment options here. And if you need to find a doctor locally, we can help.