BPH Symptoms

About BPH

What is BPH?

BPH, or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, is a common condition where the prostate gland enlarges as men age. While it’s not cancerous, the symptoms can greatly affect your quality of life. Early recognition of these signs is important for managing and treating the condition effectively. Take the BPH symptom assessment now to see if you may have BPH.

Quick facts about BPH symptoms:

symptoms of BPH

Common Symptoms of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, it may be due to an enlarged prostate. These symptoms tend to develop slowly, often going unnoticed until they start affecting your daily life

1. Frequent Urination

Day and Night

One of the earliest and most common signs of BPH is frequent urination, both during the day and at night. You may find yourself needing to visit the bathroom more often than usual, which can be disruptive, especially if you're waking up multiple times during the night. This symptom is known as nocturia when it occurs at night. As the prostate enlarges, it presses against the bladder, reducing its capacity and signaling the need to empty more frequently, even if the bladder is not full.

Urgency

Alongside frequent urination, you may experience a sudden, intense need to urinate. This urgency can be overwhelming, and in some cases, it may even be difficult to reach the bathroom in time. This is because the bladder pressure can cause the muscles to contract involuntarily, resulting in a heightened sensation of needing to urinate.

2. Weak Urine Stream

Slow Flow

If you notice that your urine stream is slower than usual, or it takes longer for you to finish urinating, this could be another symptom of BPH. The enlarged prostate can obstruct the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis, which makes it harder for urine to pass freely. A weak stream is one of the most noticeable symptoms men experience with BPH.

Interrupted Flow

In addition to a weak stream, you might experience a start-and-stop pattern during urination. This intermittent flow happens when the enlarged prostate interferes with the regular flow of urine, causing it to stop momentarily before continuing. This can make what should be a quick trip to the bathroom feel frustratingly prolonged.

3. Difficulty Starting Urination

Hesitation

You may find that starting to urinate is more difficult than before. Even with a full bladder, there can be a delay between when you feel the urge to go and when the urine actually starts flowing. This is known as hesitancy and can occur because the prostate is partially blocking the urethra, making it harder for urine to pass.

Straining

In more advanced cases of BPH, men may need to push or strain to initiate urination. Straining to urinate not only indicates that the prostate is significantly impeding the flow of urine but can also lead to further complications like bladder weakness or irritation.

4. Incomplete Bladder Emptying

Feeling of Fullness

After urinating, you may still feel as though your bladder hasn’t completely emptied. This sensation of incomplete bladder emptying is common in men with BPH because the enlarged prostate prevents the bladder from fully expelling all of its contents. Over time, this can lead to urinary retention, where significant amounts of urine remain in the bladder, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder stones.

Dribbling

Even after you think you’ve finished, you may experience slight dribbling or leakage of urine. This occurs because the bladder isn’t able to fully expel all the urine, causing small amounts to leak out after urination. This can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, especially if it leads to wet spots on clothing.

5. Urinary Incontinence

Leaks and Accidents

In some cases, BPH can cause urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control. You may find it difficult to control the flow of urine, leading to unexpected leaks or accidents. This happens when the bladder muscles become overactive due to constant pressure from the prostate, or because the bladder is struggling to empty fully. Incontinence can range from mild leaking to more severe incidents where you can't control the release of urine at all.

6. Blood in Urine (Hematuria)

Hematuria

Although less common, some men with BPH may notice blood in their urine. This condition, known as hematuria, can occur due to increased pressure on the bladder or urethra, leading to irritation or small injuries in the urinary tract. While it’s often painless, hematuria can be a sign of other issues related to BPH, such as bladder infections or stones, and it should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider. It’s important to rule out other causes of blood in the urine, such as infections, bladder or kidney stones, or more serious conditions like bladder or kidney cancer.

Start of BPH

Early Symptoms of BPH

In the early stages, men with BPH may have few or no noticeable symptoms. However, if you observe any changes in urination patterns or feel mild discomfort, you might be in the initial stages of BPH. It’s recommended to consult one of our affiliated doctors to keep an eye on symptoms, which may include:

Peak of BPH

Advanced Symptoms of BPH

If left untreated, BPH symptoms can worsen and lead to additional urinary issues. Monitoring and addressing early symptoms can help prevent more severe complications, such as:

Additional Considerations

While these symptoms are the most common indicators of BPH, it's important to note that they can vary in severity and may change over time. Not every man will experience all of these symptoms, and they don’t always correlate directly with the size of the prostate. Some men with significantly enlarged prostates may have only mild symptoms, while others with a slightly enlarged prostate may have severe symptoms. If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

When to Seek Medical Help

If BPH symptoms are affecting your quality of life—whether by interrupting your sleep, causing discomfort, or leading to embarrassing situations—it's time to talk to a doctor. Although BPH is not cancer, the symptoms can mimic those of more serious conditions, and early intervention can prevent complications. Some men may develop acute urinary retention, a sudden and painful inability to urinate, which requires immediate medical attention. Additionally, untreated BPH can lead to bladder or kidney damage, infections, and other urinary tract complications.

Have a Checkup

When Should You See a Doctor?

If these symptoms are interfering with your daily routine, it’s time to take action. While BPH is common, it can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Talk to your doctor if you:

Helping Process

How We Can Help

At Florida Prostate Center®, we understand how disruptive BPH symptoms can be. Our personalized treatment plans, ranging from lifestyle modifications to minimally invasive procedures, aim to restore your comfort and confidence. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your symptoms and find the right solution for you.

We believe expertise and experience matters. Our world renowned PAE expert will perform a thorough evaluation and urological work-up of your symptoms, essential to accurately offer treatment options for you.

Get in touch with us to regain control and improve your quality of life.

BPH Symptom Checker

Interactive Symptom Checker

Curious if your symptoms might indicate BPH? Use our quick online BPH symptom checker here to get a clearer picture of what’s going on.

BPH Complications

Understanding the Risks of Untreated Enlarged Prostate

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition affecting men as they age. While it is non-cancerous, if left untreated, BPH can lead to serious complications that may impact overall health and quality of life. Below are some of the key risks associated with untreated BPH:

Urinary Retention

One of the most concerning complications of untreated BPH is acute or chronic urinary retention, where the bladder is unable to empty completely. This condition can cause severe discomfort, pain, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). In severe cases, a catheter may be required to relieve urinary retention, and in some instances, emergency medical intervention may be necessary.

Kidney Compromise

When BPH leads to persistent urinary retention or severe bladder dysfunction, it can place undue strain on the kidneys. Over time, this pressure can cause kidney damage or even kidney failure if urine is unable to drain properly. Early intervention is essential to prevent long-term kidney complications and maintain overall renal function.

Bladder Compromise

The bladder is designed to store and expel urine efficiently. However, prolonged obstruction due to BPH can weaken the bladder muscles, reducing their ability to contract effectively. This can lead to incomplete emptying, frequent urination, and, in some cases, permanent bladder dysfunction. Once bladder damage occurs, symptoms may persist even after the prostate obstruction is treated.

Treatment Schedule

Why Early Treatment Matters

Addressing BPH early can prevent these complications and improve overall urinary function. At Florida Prostate Center®, we specialize in advanced, minimally invasive treatments such as Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) to help patients regain control of their health and avoid severe complications associated with untreated BPH.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, don’t wait—schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options and safeguard your long-term health.