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Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

ConditionInDepth

Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Symptoms will appear slowly over time. They may be:

  • A feeling that the bladder is not empty after urinating (peeing)
  • Needing to urinate often
  • A very strong urge to urinate
  • Waking up to urinate

Note: Nighttime urination can also be a sign of other health problems. See your doctor if it persists.

The Prostate and Surrounding Structures.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Other common symptoms include:

  • Urine flow stops and starts during urination
  • Urine that trickles out rather than flows strongly
  • Having to push or strain in order to urinate
  • Leaking urine, or unable to stop urine
  • Hard time starting to urinate
  • Dribbling at end of urination
  • Deep discomfort in the lower belly

Backed-up urine may raise the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). BPH may increase the risk of frequent or chronic infections.

Older men with dementia may be at risk for a sudden blockage of urine. It can cause the bladder to stretch and lower belly to swell. This is an emergency.

References

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph.
  • Lerner LB, McVary KT, et al. Management of lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia: AUA GUIDELINE PART I-Initial Work-up and Medical Management. J Urol. 2021;206(4):806-817.
  • Management of benign prostatic hyperplasia/ lower urinary tract symptoms (2021). American Urological Association website. Available at: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-(bph)-guideline.
  • Prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia.

Contributors

  • Mark Arredondo, MD
Last Updated:
2023-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.