What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate becomes larger over time. The prostate sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra, making it harder for urine to pass. BPH is not cancer and does not turn into cancer, but it can affect daily comfort and quality of life.

BPH is most often linked to aging. Hormonal changes over time cause the prostate to continue growing. As it enlarges, it can narrow the urethra and affect bladder function. Family history may also play a role.

Symptoms

BPH symptoms usually develop slowly and are related to changes in the flow of urine.

Common symptoms include:

• Trouble starting urination
• Weak or stop-and-start urine stream
• Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
• Sudden urgency to urinate
• Feeling like the bladder doesn’t fully empty
• Dribbling at the end of urination

How is it diagnosed?

Your provider will begin by discussing your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam, including a digital rectal exam, helps assess the size of the prostate.

Additional tests may include:

• Urine tests to check for infection
• Blood tests to evaluate prostate health
• Imaging, such as ultrasound
• Urine flow testing to measure how well urine passes
• Bladder scans to see how much urine remains after voiding

These steps help rule out other conditions and guide treatment decisions.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on how much the symptoms affect your daily life.

For mild symptoms, your provider may recommend monitoring the condition and making simple lifestyle changes, such as limiting fluids before bedtime or reducing caffeine and alcohol intake.

Medications are often the next step and may:

• Relax muscles around the prostate to improve urine flow
• Reduce the size of the prostate over time

If symptoms continue or worsen, procedures may be recommended. Many are minimally invasive and performed without large incisions. These treatments remove or reposition prostate tissue to relieve pressure on the urethra.

In more advanced cases, surgery may be needed to remove excess prostate tissue.

With the right care, many people experience significant symptom relief. Ongoing follow-up helps ensure the condition stays well-managed.