What happens if your prostate is swollen?

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.

mayoclinic.org - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptoms and causes

Is a spoonful of honey a day good for you?

The recommendation for a healthy person, without weight problems, and who does not base his diet on an excessive consumption of sugars would be to...

Last updated May 11, 2019

What is the best age gap?

A study found that a zero to three year age gap might be best. Aug 9, 2022

Last updated Jul 2, 2022

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

Promotion

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

Why does dark chocolate help me sleep?

Chocolate also contains tryptophan, which stimulates serotonin and melatonin. And serotonin and melatonin are believed to help sleep. Jul 18, 2020

Last updated Nov 23, 2018

Should I eat pumpkin everyday?

A healthful fiber intake can also help reduce the risk of colon cancer. With nearly 3 g of fiber in I cup of cooked, fresh pumpkin, and more than 7...

Last updated Mar 10, 2021

Promotion

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.

What makes a man healthy?

A healthy diet can help men over age 50 reduce their risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer. Fruits, vegetables,...

Last updated May 13, 2022

Does removing prostate get rid of cancer?

Surgery can cure prostate cancer if the disease hasn't spread outside of the prostate gland. The most common procedure is a radical prostatectomy....

Last updated May 21, 2019

Promotion

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.

mayoclinic.org - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptoms and causes

Is it better to eat pumpkin raw or cooked?

Raw pumpkin is slightly higher in water-soluble vitamins and other nutrients than cooked pumpkin. Still, raw pumpkin seeds may have fewer...

Last updated Jul 12, 2018

What foods make you urinate more?

Bladder irritants Coffee, tea and carbonated drinks, even without caffeine. Alcohol. Certain acidic fruits — oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes...

Last updated Feb 7, 2021

Promotion

What are the disadvantages of eating pumpkin seeds?

If you eat too many, you may experience gas and bloating. Fiber helps bulk up stool and prevents constipation in the long run, but eating a lot of...

Last updated Oct 8, 2018

Promotion

How many minutes can a man stay erect?

A penile erection can normally last anywhere from a few minutes to about half an hour. On average, men have five erections a night while they're...

Last updated Jul 7, 2018