Prostate Pathways research

Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What benign prostatic hyperplasia is, common urinary symptoms, and evidence-based treatment options.

Reviewed for factual consistency with authoritative health sources. Updated September 2026.

Medical note: This site provides general educational information, not diagnosis or treatment. New, persistent, severe, or worrying urinary symptoms should be discussed with a qualified health professional.

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. NIDDK estimates it affects about 5–6% of men ages 40–64 and 29–33% of men 65 and older.

Common symptoms

Trouble starting or emptying the bladder, weak or interrupted stream, dribbling, nocturia, urgency and frequency can occur.

How BPH is treated

NIDDK describes watchful waiting, lifestyle changes, medicines, minimally invasive therapies and surgery, selected according to symptoms and individual circumstances.

Read the NIDDK BPH guide →