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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffProstate gland enlargement varies in severity among men and tends to gradually worsen over time. Prostate gland enlargement symptoms include:
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Stopping and starting while urinating
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
- Straining while urinating
- Not being able to completely empty the bladder
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Urinary tract infection
- Formation of stones in the bladder
- Impaired kidney function
Having a more enlarged prostate doesn't necessarily mean your symptoms will be worse. Some men with only slightly enlarged prostates have significant symptoms. On the other hand, some men with very enlarged prostates have only minor urinary symptoms.
Only about half the men with prostate gland enlargement have symptoms that become noticeable or bothersome enough for them to seek medical treatment. In some men, symptoms eventually stabilize and may even improve over time.
When to see a doctor
If you're having urinary problems, see your doctor to check whether your symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate and find out what tests or treatment you may need. If you're unable to pass urine at all, seek immediate medical attention.
If you don't find urinary symptoms too bothersome and they don't pose a health threat, you may not need treatment. But you should still have your symptoms checked out by a doctor to make sure they aren't caused by another problem such as prostate cancer.
- Cunningham GR, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Kirby R, et al. Evaluation and nonsurgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Wein AJ: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/169046817-3/0/1445/90.html?tocnode=54305331&fromURL=90.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50089-3_5894. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Clinical guidelines for management of BPH. Linthicum, Md.: American Urological Association. http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/main-reports/bph-management/chapt_1_appendix.pdf. Accessed Nov 3, 2009.
- Humphreys MR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minn. Nov. 23, 2009.
- McVary KT. BPH: Epidemiology and comorbidities. American Journal of Managed Care. 2006;12:S122.
- Hoke G, et al. Racial differences in pathogenetic mechanisms, prevalence, and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urology. 2006;68:924.
- Pearson JD, et al. Familial aggregation of bothersome benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms. Urology. 2003;61:781.
- Cunningham GR. Medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Cunningham GR, et al. Surgical and other invasive therapies of benign prostatic hyperplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Fitzpatrick JM, et al. Minimally invasive and endoscopic management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Wein AJ. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/169046817-3/0/1445/91.html?tocnode=54305416&fromURL=91.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50090-X_5979. Accessed Nov. 4, 2009.
- Humphreys MR, et al. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate - Outcomes independent of prostate size? Journal of Urology. 2008;180:2431.
- McClure MW. An overview of holistic medicine and complementary and alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of BPH, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. World Journal of Urology. 2002;20:273.
