About this condition
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It can affect urination, but urinary symptoms have other possible explanations and should not automatically be attributed to the prostate.
What matters most
Symptoms vary widely and do not always match prostate size. An enlarged prostate does not mean cancer, although an individual assessment of prostate-related risks may still be appropriate.
Symptoms and reasons to seek help
A weaker stream, hesitancy, repeated night-time urination, urgency or a feeling of incomplete emptying can be troublesome. Symptoms may also reflect infection, medications, metabolic conditions or bladder dysfunction.
How it differs from similar conditions
BPH is different from prostate cancer and prostatitis. Increased night-time urination may have non-urological causes, so an accurate history is more useful than assuming every urinary change is due to prostate enlargement.
Assessment and investigations
The clinician reviews symptoms, medication use and their effect on daily life. Urine tests, bladder diaries, residual urine measurement, PSA discussion or imaging may be chosen when they change management.
Care options and limitations
Mild symptoms may be monitored with practical habit changes. Other patients discuss medication or procedures after weighing benefits and risks; no single treatment is right for everybody.
When emergency help is needed
Complete inability to urinate, significant lower abdominal pain, high fever with chills or abrupt deterioration requires emergency assessment. Call 103 or 112 for a severe condition; do not wait for a scheduled visit.
Related information
Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA); Blood in urine (haematuria); Kidney and urinary tract stones (urolithiasis).
Signs and symptoms
A weaker stream, hesitancy, repeated night-time urination, urgency or a feeling of incomplete emptying can be troublesome. Symptoms may also reflect infection, medications, metabolic conditions or bladder dysfunction.
Diagnosis and tests
The clinician reviews symptoms, medication use and their effect on daily life. Urine tests, bladder diaries, residual urine measurement, PSA discussion or imaging may be chosen when they change management.
Care and treatment approaches
Mild symptoms may be monitored with practical habit changes. Other patients discuss medication or procedures after weighing benefits and risks; no single treatment is right for everybody.
When to seek urgent care
Complete inability to urinate, significant lower abdominal pain, high fever with chills or abrupt deterioration requires emergency assessment. Call 103 or 112 for a severe condition; do not wait for a scheduled visit.
Frequently asked questions
Does an enlarged prostate mean cancer?
No. BPH is benign, although cancer-related questions are assessed separately according to individual risk.
Is waking at night to urinate always caused by the prostate?
No. Medicines, fluid intake, metabolic conditions and other urinary problems can also contribute.
Does everyone with urinary symptoms need PSA testing?
No. The decision should account for risk, expected benefit and possible consequences of further testing.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
