Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, is a common condition that affects many men as they get older.

The prostate gland typically goes through two main growth phases during a man’s life. The first occurs during puberty. The second phase begins around age 25 and continues gradually over time, meaning the prostate may continue to enlarge throughout adulthood.

As the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This pressure may restrict urine flow and cause the bladder wall to thicken, which can lead to urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, or trouble fully emptying the bladder.

What are the Warning Signs of BPH?

Changes in urination are often one of the first signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the prostate enlarges and places pressure on the urethra, it can interfere with normal urine flow and lead to a variety of urinary symptoms.

Common signs of BPH may include:

• Frequent urination

• A sudden or urgent need to urinate

• Difficulty starting urination

• A weak or slow urine stream

• Dribbling at the end of urination

• Waking up during the night to urinate

• Urinary incontinence

• Pain or discomfort during urination

• Changes in urine odor or color

In some cases, BPH can lead to urinary retention, which occurs when the bladder cannot empty completely. This condition can be painful and may lead to more serious complications if not treated promptly, making medical evaluation important when symptoms develop.

How is BPH Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, scheduling an evaluation is an important first step. Your physician will begin with a review of your symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination to help identify the cause of your urinary issues.

To better understand your condition, your doctor may recommend several diagnostic tests, such as:

• Urinalysis to check for infection or other abnormalities

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing to evaluate prostate health

• Prostate exam to assess the size and condition of the gland

• Ultrasound to visualize the prostate and surrounding structures

• Cystoscopy to examine the inside of the urethra and bladder

Additional tests may also be used to evaluate how well your bladder is functioning. These can include measuring post-void residual urine (the amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating), uroflowmetry to assess urine flow rate, or urodynamic testing to measure bladder pressure and function. These evaluations help your physician determine the most appropriate treatment for your symptoms.

How is BPH Treated?

Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is tailored to your symptoms, overall health, and the severity of prostate enlargement. In some cases, your physician may recommend lifestyle changes, bladder training techniques, or pelvic floor physical therapy to help manage urinary symptoms. Medications may also be prescribed to relax the prostate and bladder muscles or slow the growth of the prostate gland.

For some patients, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended. One option is the UroLift® System, which uses small implants to gently hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. This helps open the urinary passage and improve urine flow. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes less than an hour. Because it does not involve cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue, recovery time is often shorter compared to more invasive surgeries.

Your physician will review all available treatment options with you so you can make an informed decision about the approach that best fits your needs and health goals. If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, a medical evaluation can help determine the most effective treatment plan.