Prostate Restored
Photo by Jakub Pabis Pexels Logo Photo: Jakub Pabis

What are the 5 warning signs of prostate enlargement?

Symptoms Frequent or urgent need to urinate. Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia) Difficulty starting urination. Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts. Dribbling at the end of urination. Inability to completely empty the bladder.

What are the signs of stressed kidneys?
What are the signs of stressed kidneys?

THESE 5 SYMPTOMS MAY BE A SIGN THAT YOUR KIDNEYS ARE IN DANGER: YOU'RE OVERLY STRESSED. ... YOU CAN'T CONCENTRATE OR FEEL FATIGUED. ... YOUR DAY IS...

Read More »
What are 3 foods that are high in cholesterol that we should avoid?
What are 3 foods that are high in cholesterol that we should avoid?

Here are 4 foods you'll want to avoid if you have high cholesterol: Red meat. Beef, pork, and lamb are generally high in saturated fat. ... Fried...

Read More »

Overview

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — also called prostate gland enlargement — is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. There are several effective treatments for prostate gland enlargement, including medications, minimally invasive therapies and surgery. To choose the best option, you and your doctor will consider your symptoms, the size of your prostate, other health conditions you might have and your preferences.

Symptoms

The severity of symptoms in people who have prostate gland enlargement varies, but symptoms tend to gradually worsen over time. Common signs and symptoms of BPH include:

Frequent or urgent need to urinate

Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)

Difficulty starting urination

Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts

Dribbling at the end of urination

Inability to completely empty the bladder

Less common signs and symptoms include:

Urinary tract infection

Inability to urinate

Blood in the urine

The size of your prostate doesn't necessarily determine the severity of your symptoms. Some men with only slightly enlarged prostates can have significant symptoms, while other men with very enlarged prostates can have only minor urinary symptoms.

In some men, symptoms eventually stabilize and might even improve over time.

Other possible causes of urinary symptoms

Conditions that can lead to symptoms similar to those caused by enlarged prostate include:

Urinary tract infection

Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)

Narrowing of the urethra (urethral stricture)

Scarring in the bladder neck as a result of previous surgery

Bladder or kidney stones

Problems with nerves that control the bladder

Cancer of the prostate or bladder

When to see a doctor

If you're having urinary problems, discuss them with your doctor. Even if you don't find urinary symptoms bothersome, it's important to identify or rule out any underlying causes. Untreated, urinary problems might lead to obstruction of the urinary tract.

If you're unable to pass any urine, seek immediate medical attention.

BPH care at Mayo Clinic Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your health concerns. Visit Mayo Clinic Men's Health to get started. Get the process started There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry

Causes

What is the fastest way to get rid of gout?
What is the fastest way to get rid of gout?

Treatment Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs include over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and...

Read More »
Do Almonds decrease DHT?
Do Almonds decrease DHT?

Almonds- Almonds are a rich source of DHT inhibition and are the best place to start. Well, they are not too bad to munch on either.

Read More »

Comparing normal and enlarged prostate glands Open pop-up dialog box Close Comparing normal and enlarged prostate glands Comparing normal and enlarged prostate glands At normal size, the prostate gland is about the size and shape of a walnut or golf ball. When enlarged, the prostate may obstruct urine flow from the bladder and out the urethra. The prostate gland is located beneath your bladder. The tube that transports urine from the bladder out of your penis (urethra) passes through the center of the prostate. When the prostate enlarges, it begins to block urine flow. Most men have continued prostate growth throughout life. In many men, this continued growth enlarges the prostate enough to cause urinary symptoms or to significantly block urine flow. It isn't entirely clear what causes the prostate to enlarge. However, it might be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as men grow older.

Risk factors

Risk factors for prostate gland enlargement include:

Aging. Prostate gland enlargement rarely causes signs and symptoms in men younger than age 40. About one-third of men experience moderate to severe symptoms by age 60, and about half do so by age 80. Prostate gland enlargement rarely causes signs and symptoms in men younger than age 40. About one-third of men experience moderate to severe symptoms by age 60, and about half do so by age 80. Family history. Having a blood relative, such as a father or a brother, with prostate problems means you're more likely to have problems. Having a blood relative, such as a father or a brother, with prostate problems means you're more likely to have problems. Diabetes and heart disease. Studies show that diabetes, as well as heart disease and use of beta blockers, might increase the risk of BPH. Studies show that diabetes, as well as heart disease and use of beta blockers, might increase the risk of BPH. Lifestyle. Obesity increases the risk of BPH, while exercise can lower your risk.

Complications

Complications of an enlarged prostate can include:

Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention). You might need to have a tube (catheter) inserted into your bladder to drain the urine. Some men with an enlarged prostate need surgery to relieve urinary retention. You might need to have a tube (catheter) inserted into your bladder to drain the urine. Some men with an enlarged prostate need surgery to relieve urinary retention. Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Inability to fully empty the bladder can increase the risk of infection in your urinary tract. If UTIs occur frequently, you might need surgery to remove part of the prostate. Inability to fully empty the bladder can increase the risk of infection in your urinary tract. If UTIs occur frequently, you might need surgery to remove part of the prostate. Bladder stones. These are generally caused by an inability to completely empty the bladder. Bladder stones can cause infection, bladder irritation, blood in the urine and obstruction of urine flow.

Do I need to bring receiving blankets to the hospital?
Do I need to bring receiving blankets to the hospital?

A receiving blanket. The hospital will provide blankets for baby while you're here, but bring your own to tuck around your baby in the car seat for...

Read More »
Do pumpkin seeds boost testosterone?
Do pumpkin seeds boost testosterone?

Pumpkin seeds They're chock-full of the mineral zinc, which is needed to boost testosterone, build muscle and directly increase sperm count. Dec 6,...

Read More »

These are generally caused by an inability to completely empty the bladder. Bladder stones can cause infection, bladder irritation, blood in the urine and obstruction of urine flow. Bladder damage. A bladder that hasn't emptied completely can stretch and weaken over time. As a result, the muscular wall of the bladder no longer contracts properly, making it harder to fully empty your bladder. A bladder that hasn't emptied completely can stretch and weaken over time. As a result, the muscular wall of the bladder no longer contracts properly, making it harder to fully empty your bladder. Kidney damage. Pressure in the bladder from urinary retention can directly damage the kidneys or allow bladder infections to reach the kidneys. Most men with an enlarged prostate don't develop these complications. However, acute urinary retention and kidney damage can be serious health threats. Having an enlarged prostate is not believed to increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. For more information on on benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment at Mayo Clinic, visit the Mayo Clinic Men's Health Center.

Does cranberry have side effects?
Does cranberry have side effects?

When taken by mouth: Cranberry is commonly consumed in foods. Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts are likely safe for most adults. Drinking too...

Read More »
Does sunlight increase testosterone?
Does sunlight increase testosterone?

For men, blood tests revealed that exposure to sunlight resulted in a higher release of testosterone compared to one day before the exposure. A...

Read More »
What is the main cause of kidney infection?
What is the main cause of kidney infection?

Bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra can multiply and travel to your kidneys. This is the most common cause of kidney...

Read More »
Will enlarged prostate go away?
Will enlarged prostate go away?

Because BPH cannot be cured, the treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms. The treatment is based on how severe the symptoms are, how much they...

Read More »