Enlargement of the prostate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply. These additional cells cause your prostate gland to swell, which squeezes the urethra and limits the flow of urine. BPH is not the same as prostate cancer and doesn’t increase the risk of cancer. However, it can cause symptoms that can affect your quality of life. BPH is common in men older than 50 years. Learn more about BPH symptoms.
BPH is considered a normal condition of male aging, and many men older than 80 years have BPH symptoms. Although the exact cause is unknown, changes in male sex hormones that come with aging may be a factor. Any family history of prostate problems or any abnormalities with your testicles may raise your risk of BPH. Men who’ve had their testicles removed at a young age don’t develop BPH
The symptoms of BPH are often very mild at first, but they become more serious if they aren’t treated. Common symptoms include:
- incomplete bladder emptying
- nocturia, which is the need to urinate two or more times per night
- dribbling at the end of your urinary stream
- incontinence, or leakage of urine
- the need to strain when urinating
- a weak urinary stream
- a sudden urge to urinate
- a slowed or delayed urinary stream
- painful urination
- blood in the urine