Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate, is a common, non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland in men as they get older. The prostate sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). When the prostate enlarges, it can press on the urethra and make urination difficult.

Key Facts

Usually seen in

Men above 40 years (more common with increasing age).

Body parts involved

Prostate, bladder, and sometimes kidneys (if urine backs up for a long time).

Conditions with similar symptoms

Prostate infection (prostatitis), overactive bladder, bladder stones, and prostate cancer (needs evaluation to rule out).

Common Symptoms

BPH mainly causes lower urinary tract symptoms, such as:

• Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy)
• Weak urine stream, stop-start flow
• Feeling the bladder is not fully empty
• Dribbling after urinating
• Frequent urination and urgency
• Getting up at night to urinate (nocturia)

Warning signs (need medical attention quickly)

• Not able to pass urine at all (urinary retention)
• Fever or chills with burning urination
• Blood in urine
• severe lower abdominal pain with urinary symptoms

Why BPH Happens

The exact cause is not always clear, but BPH is strongly linked to age-related hormone changes and prostate growth over time. It is not the same as prostate cancer.

Risk Factors

You may have a higher chance of BPH if you:

• Are older (risk increases with age)
• Have a family history of prostate enlargement
• Have obesity, type 2 diabetes, or heart-related problems
• Have a low-activity lifestyle

How Doctors Diagnose BPH

Your doctor may check symptoms and do tests to confirm BPH and rule out other causes:

Common checks and tests

• Digital rectal exam (DRE)
• Urine tests (to check infection or blood)
• PSA test (helps assess prostate health; may be raised for multiple reasons)
• Ultrasound (kidney/bladder/prostate)
• Urine flow test and post-void residual (to see how well the bladder empties)
• Cystoscopy in selected cases

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on symptom severity and its impact on daily life.

1) Watchful waiting and lifestyle support

Often used when symptoms are mild and not troublesome.

2) Medicines commonly used for BPH symptoms

• Alpha blockers (help relax prostate/bladder neck muscles to improve urine flow)
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (help shrink the prostate; may take months to show full benefit)
• Tadalafil daily may be discussed for urinary symptoms, especially if erectile dysfunction is also present
• Sometimes doctors add other medicines if overactive bladder symptoms are present (based on evaluation).

3) Procedures or surgery

If medicines do not help enough, options include TURP, TUIP, laser treatments, and other minimally invasive procedures (choice depends on prostate size, symptoms, and health).

Home-care Tips That Often Help

• Reduce caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening
• Avoid drinking a lot of fluids close to bedtime
• Go when you first feel the urge and try timed bathroom visits
• Ask a doctor before using cold medicines with decongestants/antihistamines, as they can worsen symptoms for some people
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight

Possible Complications If Untreated

BPH can sometimes lead to:

• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Bladder stones
• Blood in urine
• Urine retention and pressure on the kidneys over time

Explore BPH Medicines

Browse this category to find medicines used for urine flow improvement, prostate size management, and symptom control, based on medical guidance.