Changes in urination are often dismissed as a normal part of aging.
A weak stream or waking up more often at night to urinate may seem like minor changes. But ignoring them could mean ignoring signs of an enlarged prostate.
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is not cancer, but it can still affect your health and well-being. Here are the enlarged prostate symptoms you should look out for.
What is BPH?
The prostate is a gland located just below your bladder that surrounds part of the urethra. As men age, the prostate often grows larger, sometimes enough to press on the urethra.
This added pressure can interfere with your bladder's normal function, making it harder for urine to pass out of the body. The bladder muscles must work overtime to push urine through a narrowed channel. Eventually, this strain can lead to a range of urinary symptoms.
Enlarged Prostate Symptoms to Watch For
1. Weak urine stream
One of the most common changes men notice is a weak or slow stream of urine.
What used to be a steady flow becomes more like a trickle. The stream may start and stop, or you may find yourself standing there longer than usual, waiting to finish. This is often one of the first signs that the prostate is blocking the urethra.
2. Urinary frequency
Another common symptom is needing to urinate more often, especially at night.
Waking up multiple times to relieve yourself, called nocturia, can be frustrating. Even during the day, you might notice the urge to go every hour or two. This often happens when the bladder isn't emptying all the way, leaving residual urine that continues to irritate the system.
3. Urgency
In many cases, the need to urinate becomes more intense and more urgent. You may suddenly feel like you have to get to a bathroom immediately, even when your bladder isn't full.
4. Hesitancy
Delays in starting urination are also common. You may feel the need to go, but find that your stream doesn't begin right away. This hesitation can be caused by poor coordination between bladder muscle contractions and the obstruction at the level of the prostate, leading to straining.
5. Incomplete emptying
Many men with BPH develop a sensation that something is still left in the bladder even after they have gone.
6. Dribbling
After you've finished urinating and walked away from the toilet, you might notice small leaks or drops of urine on your clothing. Post-void dribbling happens when urine remains trapped behind the enlarged portion of the prostate and slowly drips out. Sometimes, dribbling can be a sign of a more significant blockage.
7. Urinary retention
Acute urinary retention, not being able to urinate at all, is a medical emergency. It's often painful and may require a catheter to drain the bladder immediately. Left untreated, it can cause serious damage to both the bladder and kidneys.
Should I Get Checked?
BPH tends to develop slowly, and many men live with symptoms for years before seeking help. But waiting can limit your treatment options. It can also raise your risk for long-term complications that may eventually require more invasive procedures.
If you're dealing with enlarged prostate symptoms, whether it's waking up more often at night, struggling to start your stream, or just feeling like something's not quite right, it's time to get checked. Early diagnosis leads to better results, fewer complications, and more personalized treatment options.
Don't continue to live with frustrating enlarged prostate symptoms - schedule an appointment today!