Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Common symptoms of BPH include:
Urination, or the frequent or urgent need to urinate, is one of the symptoms of BPH.
More frequent urination during the night.
Having trouble urinating.
Weak pee flow or intermittent urine flow.
Dribbling after the last urinal passage.
Not being able to empty the bladder.

The following symptoms are less frequent:
Urinary tract infection.
Being unable to urinate.
Urine with blood in it.

The symptoms of BPH generally progress gradually, although in some cases, they may remain stable or even improve over time. Interestingly, the severity of symptoms is not always directly related to the size of the prostate. Some individuals with only a slightly enlarged prostate may experience significant symptoms, while others with a significantly enlarged prostate may only experience minor issues. Additionally, some individuals with an enlarged prostate may not experience any symptoms.

Other possible causes of urinary symptoms
Various health issues can cause symptoms similar to those caused by an enlarged prostate. Some of these conditions include urinary tract infection, inflamed prostate, narrowing of the urethra, scarring in the bladder neck due to past surgery, bladder or kidney stones, problems with bladder control nerves, and prostate or bladder cancer.

Furthermore, some medications can also cause symptoms similar to those caused by BPH. These medications include potent pain-relieving opioids, cold and allergy medicines, and older tricyclic antidepressants for depression.

Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider, even if they aren’t bothersome. It’s crucial to determine if any underlying causes can be treated. Failure to do so can increase the likelihood of a hazardous blockage in the urinary tract. If you’re unable to pass urine, seek immediate medical assistance.

The prostate gland can be found beneath the bladder, and the tube that carries urine out of the penis is known as the urethra. This tube runs through the middle of the prostate, and if the prostate grows too large, it can obstruct urine flow.

The prostate gland tends to continue growing as a person ages. This growth can sometimes cause symptoms or impede the flow of urine.

The exact cause of prostate enlargement is not fully understood, but it may be linked to changes in sex hormone levels as a person ages.

Risk factors for an enlarged prostate include:
Age is one risk factor for an enlarged prostate. Before age 40, an enlarged prostate gland rarely manifests any symptoms. The likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate and the associated symptoms increases afterwards.
Family background. You are more prone to experience prostate difficulties if you have a blood relative who does.
Heart disease with diabetes. According to studies, diabetes may make BPH more likely. And heart disease too.
Lifestyle. BPH risk is increased by obesity. Exercise can assist in reducing the risk.