What Is an Enlarged Prostate (BPH)? Symptoms, Causes & Risks Explained

Introduction: The Prostate and Its Silent Growth

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder in men. It plays an important role in reproduction by producing seminal fluid.

But as men age, the prostate tends to grow in size. This condition, known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or simply enlarged prostate, is not cancer. Yet, it can cause significant urinary problems, affecting daily life and sleep.

If you’ve noticed frequent urination, weak stream, or the feeling of incomplete emptying, your prostate may be the culprit.

What Exactly Is an Enlarged Prostate (BPH)?

• Definition: A non-cancerous increase in prostate size due to aging and hormonal changes.
• Where it happens: The prostate surrounds the urethra. As it grows, it squeezes the urinary passage.
• Why it matters: Even small growths can create big urinary problems because of its location.

📌 Key fact: By the age of 60, about 50% of men have BPH symptoms. By 80, up to 80% are affected.

Why Does the Prostate Enlarge? (Causes & Risk Factors)

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but several factors contribute:

1. Hormonal changes with age:
   • Testosterone gradually decreases, while dihydrotestosterone (DHT) builds up.
   • This stimulates prostate cell growth.
2. Family history:
   • Men with relatives who had BPH are more likely to develop it.
3. Lifestyle & comorbidities:
   • Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are associated with higher risk.
   • Sedentary lifestyle worsens symptoms.
4. Ethnicity:
   • Studies suggest Asian men may develop symptoms later, but once they do, severity is similar.

Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Symptoms fall under two categories: obstructive and irritative.

Obstructive Symptoms

• Weak or slow urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy)
• Dribbling at the end
• Feeling of incomplete emptying

Irritative Symptoms

• Increased frequency (urinating every 1–2 hours)
• Urgency (sudden urge, can’t hold)
• Nocturia (waking at night multiple times)
• Incontinence (leakage if not reaching toilet in time)

📌 Severity measurement: Doctors often use the IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) questionnaire.

Complications of Untreated BPH

Ignoring an enlarged prostate can lead to serious issues:

• Bladder stones (due to incomplete emptying)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Acute urinary retention (sudden inability to pass urine – emergency)
• Kidney damage (back pressure on kidneys)
• Impact on quality of life (sleep disturbance, depression, sexual problems)

How Is an Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed?

Doctors follow a stepwise process:

1. History & examination: Asking about urinary symptoms and doing a rectal exam.
2. IPSS score: To grade severity.
3. Ultrasound of prostate: To measure size and check bladder emptying.
4. PSA blood test: To rule out prostate cancer.
5. Urine flow test: Sometimes used to measure obstruction.

Is an Enlarged Prostate the Same as Cancer?

No.

• BPH = non-cancerous, due to aging.
• Prostate cancer = uncontrolled abnormal growth.
• Both can cause urinary symptoms, but cancer may also present with weight loss, bone pain, or abnormal PSA levels.

Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate

• Lifestyle changes: Avoid late fluids, reduce caffeine/alcohol, regular exercise.
• Medicines: Alpha-blockers (eg. Tamsulosin), 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (eg. Dutasteride).
• Minimally invasive procedures:
  • PAE (Prostate Artery Embolization): No cuts, no anesthesia, day-care procedure.
  • TURP, laser, steam therapy (traditional but more invasive).

FAQs About Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Q1. At what age does prostate enlargement usually start?
It typically starts after age 45–50.

Q2. Can BPH be prevented?
Not entirely, but healthy lifestyle and weight control may delay onset.

Q3. Do all men with BPH need surgery?
No. Many live with mild symptoms managed by lifestyle or medicines. Surgery is only for severe cases.

Q4. Is PAE available in Mumbai?
Yes — Docsy offers PAE at select premium centres with experienced interventional radiologists.

Conclusion

An enlarged prostate (BPH) is one of the most common conditions men face as they age. While not cancer, it can significantly reduce quality of life if untreated.

The good news is that safe, effective treatments exist, from medicines to advanced procedures like PAE.

At Docsy, we ensure:

• Accurate diagnosis (free teleconsults, OPD + ultrasound)
• Patient-first advice (non-surgical when possible)
• Access to India’s best doctors and most advanced treatments