Are you making more trips to the bathroom or noticing that your urine stream isn’t as strong as it used to be? These changes may seem like a normal part of getting older, but they can be symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is common as men age. Although it isn’t cancer, it can make urination difficult and interfere with daily life. Knowing the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can help you know when it’s time to see a urologist.

What Are the Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate?

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate usually affect the way you urinate. Some develop slowly over time, while others become more noticeable as the prostate grows.

A Weak or Slow Urine Stream

A weak urine stream is one of the most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Instead of a steady flow, your urine may come out more slowly or stop and start.

As the prostate grows, it can press on the urethra. This makes it harder for urine to flow, so your bladder has to work harder to empty.

Trouble Starting Urination

Sometimes you may feel like you need to urinate, but nothing happens right away. This is called urinary hesitancy.

You may have to wait several seconds before your urine starts to flow.

Dribbling After Urination

You may notice a few drops of urine after you think you’ve finished. This can happen because urine stays in the urethra or because your bladder doesn’t empty completely.

Feeling Like Your Bladder Isn’t Empty

After you urinate, you may still feel like there’s urine left in your bladder. You may even need to go back to the bathroom a few minutes later.

When urine stays in the bladder, it can also raise your risk of:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Bladder stones
  • Urinary retention, which means you can’t empty your bladder completely

Frequent Urination

An enlarged prostate can make you feel like you need to urinate more often than usual. This may happen because your bladder doesn’t empty completely. It can also happen because your bladder becomes more sensitive over time.

Getting Up at Night to Urinate

Waking up during the night to urinate is called nocturia. Getting up several times each night can interrupt your sleep and leave you tired during the day.

For many men, this is the symptom that finally leads them to see a doctor.

A Sudden Urge to Urinate

Urgency is a sudden, strong need to urinate that’s hard to ignore. You may feel like you have very little warning before you need a bathroom.

An enlarged prostate can make the bladder more sensitive, leading to these sudden urges.

When Should You See a Urologist for an Enlarged Prostate?

If your urinary symptoms are getting worse or affecting your daily life, it’s time to see a urologist. They can determine whether an enlarged prostate is causing your symptoms or if another condition is responsible.

You should also schedule an evaluation if you:

  • Wake up several times each night to urinate
  • Have trouble emptying your bladder
  • Notice blood in your urine
  • Get repeated urinary tract infections
  • Find that your symptoms keep getting worse

If you suddenly can’t urinate at all, seek medical care right away.

Your urologist may recommend:

  • A physical exam
  • Urine testing
  • A PSA blood test
  • A bladder emptying test
  • Urine flow testing
  • An ultrasound
  • A cystoscopy

How Are Enlarged Prostate Symptoms Treated?

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much they’re affecting your daily life.

If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend monitoring them and making a few lifestyle changes. These may include limiting fluids before bed or trying double voiding. That means urinating, waiting a moment, and trying again.

If your symptoms become more bothersome, medication may help relax the prostate or shrink it over time. Some men may benefit from a minimally invasive procedure or surgery to improve urine flow.

Your urologist will recommend the treatment that’s best for you. They’ll consider your prostate size, bladder function, overall health, and symptoms.

When to Seek Care for Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate often get worse over time if they aren’t treated. The good news is that many effective treatments are available. At Carolina Urology Partners, we help men throughout the Charlotte, NC, and Columbia, SC, areas find the cause of urinary symptoms and choose the treatment that fits their needs. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.

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