An enlarged prostate is one of the most common conditions affecting men as they age — and one of the most misunderstood. Here’s a clear breakdown of what BPH is, why it happens, and how to recognize the symptoms.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It’s extremely common — affecting roughly half of men over age 50, and as many as 90% of men by age 80. The prostate sits just below the bladder, surrounding the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As the gland enlarges with age, it can squeeze the urethra and interfere with normal urination.
Despite the name similarity, BPH is not prostate cancer and does not increase a man’s risk of developing it — but the two conditions can share some symptoms, which is part of why any new urinary changes are worth evaluating.
Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- A sense of urinary urgency
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- A feeling that the bladder isn’t fully empty
- In more advanced cases, urinary retention or recurrent urinary tract infections
Symptoms often develop gradually, which is why many men adjust to them for years before seeking treatment. If nighttime bathroom trips or urinary changes are affecting your sleep or daily life, it’s worth talking to a doctor.
What Causes BPH?
The exact cause of BPH isn’t fully understood, but it’s closely tied to aging and hormonal changes — specifically shifts in testosterone and estrogen levels that occur as men get older. Nearly all men will experience some degree of prostate growth with age, though the severity of resulting symptoms varies widely from person to person.
How Is BPH Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically starts with a discussion of symptoms and a physical exam, sometimes including a digital rectal exam to assess the size and shape of the prostate. A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test may be used to help rule out other causes, and additional imaging or a urine flow study may be recommended to better understand how significantly the prostate is affecting urination. If you’re curious how PSA levels typically behave around treatment, see What Happens to PSA Levels After PAE? on Kansas City Prostate Center.
Why Symptoms Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Left untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to chronic urinary retention, which raises the risk of urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and — in rare cases — kidney damage from prolonged pressure. The good news is that BPH has several effective treatment options, ranging from lifestyle changes and medication to minimally invasive procedures like prostate artery embolization (PAE) that don’t require traditional surgery.
Curious about your treatment options? Read our companion post, PAE vs. TURP vs. Medication, or visit our Enlarged Prostate (PAE) page to learn how MIVA Medical treats BPH without surgery. Ready to book? See how to prepare for your PAE consultation. Take our PAE quiz or book a consultation to get started.