Overview
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that squeezes the urine passage — extremely common in men over 50, causing weak flow, night-time urination and a feeling of incomplete emptying. It is not cancer, but the symptoms overlap, so proper assessment including a PSA discussion matters.
Symptoms
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Straining to start urination
- Waking several times at night to urinate
- Feeling the bladder never fully empties
- Urgent need to urinate
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Complete inability to pass urine (emergency)
Causes & risk factors
- Age-related hormonal changes enlarging the prostate
- Family history
- Obesity and inactivity may worsen symptoms
Treatment & self-care
Mild symptoms may need only lifestyle measures — less evening fluid and caffeine, double voiding — while daily tablets that relax or shrink the prostate help most men; surgery relieves obstruction when medicines are not enough. Assessment includes ruling out prostate cancer with examination and a PSA blood test where appropriate. Never ignore complete inability to urinate.
See a doctor urgently if
- Inability to pass urine at all — emergency
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary symptoms with fever or back pain
- Night-time urination and weak stream affecting daily life
- You are over 50 and have never discussed prostate screening