Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common condition that develops as men age.

The prostate typically undergoes two periods of growth. The first occurs during puberty, while the second begins around age 25 and continues gradually over time. As a result, the prostate may continue to enlarge throughout adulthood.

As the gland increases in size, it can place pressure on the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This pressure may restrict urine flow and cause changes in bladder function, leading to symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, a weak stream, or the feeling of incomplete emptying.

What are the Warning Signs of BPH?

Changes in urination are often among the earliest signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the prostate enlarges and presses against the urethra, it can disrupt normal urine flow and lead to a range 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 during the night to urinate
• Urinary incontinence
• Pain or discomfort with urination
• Changes in urine color or odor

In some cases, BPH can lead to urinary retention, a condition in which the bladder is unable to empty completely. This can cause discomfort and may result in more serious complications if left untreated, making prompt medical evaluation important when symptoms arise.

How is BPH Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, scheduling an evaluation is an important first step. Your physician will begin by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and performing a physical examination to better understand the cause of your urinary concerns.

To further assess your condition, your doctor may recommend diagnostic testing, 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 testing may also be used to evaluate bladder function. These can include measuring post-void residual urine (the amount of urine remaining after urination), uroflowmetry to assess urine flow rate, or urodynamic studies to evaluate bladder pressure and function.

Together, these evaluations help your physician determine the most accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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.