Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called an enlarged prostate, is a noncancerous increase in prostate size that becomes more common with age. Enlargement can press on the urethra and affect the flow of urine.
Common symptoms
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Urgency
- Feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely
- Dribbling after urination
Diagnosis
Assessment may include medical history, examination, urine testing and evaluation of urinary symptoms. Depending on age, symptoms and individual risk, additional tests may include blood tests, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), measurement of urine flow or bladder ultrasound. BPH is not prostate cancer, although the two conditions can occur at the same time.
Treatment
Mild symptoms may be monitored. Medicines can relax prostate and bladder-neck muscles or gradually reduce prostate size. Procedures or surgery may be recommended when symptoms are severe, medicines do not help, or complications develop.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent medical care if you cannot urinate, have severe lower abdominal pain, develop fever with urinary symptoms or pass a significant amount of blood in the urine.
Related topics
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: 4 September 2026. This page provides general health information and does not replace individual medical assessment or treatment.