BPH Symptoms: Is an Enlarged Prostate Affecting You?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It affects nearly half of men in their 50s and over 90% of men by age 80. While this growth is natural with aging, it can cause problems with urination, bladder function, and even sexual performance. Although BPH is not cancer, some men may experience both conditions simultaneously, and symptoms can overlap.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system that plays a key role in producing semen. Its position around the urethra means that any enlargement can impact urine flow and bladder function. The prostate goes through two natural growth phases: one at puberty and another beginning around age 25 that continues throughout adulthood. BPH symptoms typically appear during this later phase when the gland begins to press on the urethra.

Common Symptoms of BPH

Because the urethra passes through the prostate, enlargement often affects urination first. Symptoms can worsen over time and may lead to complications such as bladder infections, kidney issues, or, in severe cases, an inability to urinate.

Urination Difficulties

Difficulty starting urination: Feeling the need to go but struggling to begin.

Weak or interrupted urine flow: The stream may start and stop, leaving the bladder partially full.

Straining or pushing: Extra effort may be required to urinate fully.

Dribbling: Urine continues to drip at the end of urination.

Bladder Sensations

• Feeling of fullness: The bladder may feel full even after urination.
• Urgency: A sudden, compelling need to urinate.
• Frequent urination: The need to urinate more often than usual, sometimes every 1–2 hours.
• Nighttime urination: Frequent trips to the bathroom that disrupt sleep.

Take our BPH Quiz to determine if your urinary symptoms may be related to an enlarged prostate. This confidential online tool uses the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to measure the impact on your quality of life.

Causes of BPH

The exact cause of prostate enlargement is not fully understood. Hormonal changes that occur with aging play a significant role, particularly involving male sex hormones and other growth factors that may trigger excess cell growth in the prostate.

Risk Factors for BPH

The likelihood of experiencing BPH increases with age and family history:

• Age: Symptoms rarely appear before 40 but are very common by 80.
• Family history: Men with relatives who have BPH are more likely to develop symptoms.

Other contributing factors may include:

• Obesity
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Diabetes & Heart Disease
• Side effects from certain medications

Treatment Options for BPH

Modern BPH treatments are safer, more effective, and tailored to individual patients. The team at Florida Urology Center will work with you to create a personalized plan based on your symptoms, risk factors, and lifestyle.

Watchful Waiting

In some cases, monitoring the condition without immediate intervention is appropriate, especially when symptoms are mild.

Medications

Medications can help relieve urinary symptoms, although they may not address the underlying prostate enlargement. An experienced urologist can design a regimen to maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

Surgical and Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): Removes excess tissue to relieve urethral pressure.
• GreenLight Laser Prostatectomy (PVP): Outpatient procedure using a laser to remove tissue with minimal bleeding and low risk of sexual side effects.
• UroLift®: FDA-approved, minimally invasive treatment that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra without cutting or removing tissue.

Next Steps

If BPH symptoms are affecting your daily life, Florida Urology Center can help. Our specialists provide comprehensive assessments and create treatment plans designed to improve urinary function and quality of life.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and explore the best options for managing your BPH.