What symptoms does enlarged prostate cause?

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.

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

What is the most common eye color in Europe?

Dark brown iris is common in Europe, Americas, Africa, West Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia. Light brown iris can be found in Europe, West Asia,...

Last updated May 27, 2019

How much does it cost to get a second opinion?

The fees for second opinions range from a low of a couple of hundred dollars to $2,000 or more. Some vary based upon offering multidisciplinary...

Last updated Sep 8, 2020

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

What color were Audrey Hepburn's eyes?

brown Audrey Hepburn Though officially recorded as brown, the real color of her eyes remains a mystery with co-actors and fans finding it green,...

Last updated Oct 4, 2022

Are prostate exams embarrassing?

A digital rectal exam can be embarrassing for some men, but just detach and try to relax. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how a DRE is done:...

Last updated Nov 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.

Why are so many people getting prostate cancer?

Having higher levels of androgens might contribute to prostate cancer risk in some men. Some research has found that men with high levels of...

Last updated Feb 26, 2019

What are the 3 P's of manhood?

The 3 P's of Manhood: A Review of Protection, Procreation, and Provision | The Art of Manliness. Mar 31, 2014

Last updated Feb 26, 2020

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 - Mayo Clinic

Can twins have different fathers?

In rare cases, fraternal twins can be born from two different fathers in a phenomenon called heteropaternal superfecundation. Although uncommon,...

Last updated Feb 11, 2020

Is it OK to take magnesium every night?

In general, magnesium seems to have minimal side effects, and taking low doses is unlikely to cause much harm. According to the Institute of...

Last updated May 1, 2019

Promotion

What are the five stages of prostate cancer?

The five stages of prostate cancer are Sky, Teal, Azure, Indigo, and Royal. The first three stages, that is the men with newly diagnosed prostate...

Last updated Sep 28, 2018

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

Does a high PSA mean cancer has spread?

The gland swells, and isn't able to function properly. In rare instances, prostate cancer can spread elsewhere in the body. In general, a higher...

Last updated Jan 22, 2020