Urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement

Benign prostate enlargement (BPE), also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), occurs when the prostate gland increases in size, leading to urinary symptoms due to pressure on the bladder and urethra. While not a life-threatening condition, it can significantly affect daily life.

What are the urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement?

BPE primarily affects urination, with symptoms varying in severity. These include:

• Frequent urination – Needing to urinate more often, and possible urinary incontinence, especially at night (nocturia).
• Urgency – A sudden, strong need to urinate that may be difficult to control.
• Weak urine stream – A slow or interrupted flow of urine.
• Difficulty starting urination – Straining or taking time to begin urinating.
• Incomplete bladder emptying – A feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied.
• Dribbling after urination – Continued leakage of urine after finishing.
• Urinary retention – In severe cases, an inability to urinate, which requires immediate medical attention.

How are urinary symptoms of BPE treated?

Treatment is dependent on severity of symptoms, and how much of an impact on your day-to-day. Options include:

• Lifestyle changes
  • Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake.
  • Managing fluid intake, especially before bedtime.
  • Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Medications
  • Alpha-blockers (e.g. tamsulosin) to relax prostate and bladder muscles, improving urine flow.
  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g. finasteride) to shrink the prostate over time.
• Minimally invasive procedures
  • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to remove excess prostate tissue.
  • Laser therapy to reduce prostate size.
• Surgical options
  • Open prostatectomy in severe cases where other treatments are ineffective.

When should you seek medical advice?

If urinary symptoms persist, worsen, or affect quality of life, a doctor can assess the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Sudden inability to urinate or blood in the urine requires urgent medical attention.

BPE is a common condition that affects urinary function. Recognising symptoms early can help in managing the condition with lifestyle changes, medication or other treatment options if necessary.