Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which sits between the bladder and penis in the pelvic area. As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra and bladder, leading to issues with urination and sexual function. Though its cause isn’t fully understood, BPH is often tied to aging and hormonal changes—specifically declining testosterone and increased DHT levels. Genetics and lifestyle habits may also contribute. If not addressed, BPH can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, blood in urine, and kidney-related issues.
Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:
When BPH symptoms are mild, immediate medication may not be needed. Instead, modifying daily habits and following a prostate-supportive diet can help ease discomfort and maintain gland health. In cases with more significant symptoms, doctors may suggest combining medications with dietary and lifestyle changes. No matter the treatment plan, specialists advise patients to maintain a healthy diet that supports prostate function and long-term recovery.
Hormonal fluctuations are a major factor in the onset of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate. With advancing age, shifts in hormone levels can lead to increased growth of prostate cells. This change is largely driven by a drop in testosterone and a relative rise in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which directly affects prostate tissue. These age-related hormonal changes are considered central to BPH development.
This hormonal cascade doesn’t happen overnight it’s a gradual process, often starting in a man’s 30s or 40s, with symptoms becoming noticeable later in life.
If untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to serious complications by obstructing urine flow or straining the urinary system:
Bladder Stones: Concentrated urine from poor emptying can crystallize into stones, causing pain, bleeding, or further obstruction.
The doctor might opt for enlarged prostate or BPH medications for the followings reasons:
Your symptoms are moderate and they are getting worse instead of getting better.
Adoption of lifestyle changes didn’t show any results.
Your BPH might be causing complications.
The doctor might suggest one of the following categories of BPH Drugs to treat your symptoms. It is advisable to take these drugs only if your doctor prescribes you to take them.
Doctors use Alpha Blockers to relax muscles of the bladder neck muscles and prostate muscles, so that the patient can urinate with ease.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) prevent hormonal changes which cause prostate growth. Therefore, they effectively prevent the growth of the prostate. 5-ARIs also help to shrink the prostate.
It is observed that Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) are often used to treat erectile dysfunction, improve Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia symptoms and increase flow rate. Therefore, they are sometimes used to treat Prostate Enlargement.
*Consumption of medications under the advice of a doctor only.
If Alpha Blockers or 5-ARIs alone do not provide enough relief, doctors may recommend using both drugs together. This approach, known as Combination Drug Therapy, involves taking Alpha Blockers along with 5-ARIs for enhanced results in managing BPH. While it may delay or prevent the need for surgery, patients using both medications could experience side effects from each of them.
*Consumption of medications under the advice of a doctor only.
Sometimes, the doctor might prescribe medications that reduce the levels of hormones produced by the prostate gland. These medications may make the prostate smaller and improve urine flow. They also lower the levels of testosterone as a result they may cause side effects like decreased sex drive and impotence.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis is a condition where the prostate gets infected, as a result, you can see swelling, inflammation and frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). In such a situation, doctors use Antibiotics to improve the symptoms of BPH by reducing the inflammation.
If the symptoms persist even after the medical treatment of BPH, then doctors might opt for surgical intervention. There are multiple minimally invasive and surgical therapies that you can choose from, they are:
Transurethral Resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure where the surgeon removes the excess prostate tissue which is blocking the urine flow. After the TURP surgery, the patient will get quick relief from the symptoms. The surgeon might place a catheter to drain your bladder after the surgery which will be removed after a couple of days.
Unlike in TURP, In TUIP, There is no removal of tissue. In TUIP, the surgeon inserts a combined visual and surgical instrument (Resectoscope) into the urethra through penis. Then the surgeon makes one or two small grooves in the bladder neck area (the area where the prostate connects to the bladder). This relaxes the opening to the bladder hence allowing for urine to pass more easily.
HoLEP is a laser-based, minimally invasive procedure to manage an Enlarged Prostate. It is highly effective even for very large prostates. During HoLEP, the surgeon uses laser energy to remove the prostate tissue obstructing urine flow. A separate tool is then used to break the tissue into pieces that can be safely removed.
A urologist inserts a small device through the urethra to access the prostate.
Tiny implants (typically 2–6, depending on prostate size) are placed to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, opening the urinary passage.
The device is then removed, leaving the implants in place permanently to maintain urine flow.
Used when the prostate enlargement causes significant bladder outlet obstruction, leading to symptoms like difficulty urinating, weak stream, or incomplete bladder emptying.
Often considered for smaller prostates or when preserving sexual function (e.g., ejaculation) is a priority, as it’s less invasive than procedures like TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate).
Prostatectomy is a surgery where either part or the whole prostate is removed. There are two main types: Simple Prostatectomy and Radical Prostatectomy. Simple Prostatectomy is done to treat non-cancerous issues like BPH by removing part of the gland. In Radical Prostatectomy, the entire prostate, along with vas deferens and seminal vesicles, is taken out—usually to treat prostate cancer. We’ve explained all major BPH treatments. Talk to our doctors to learn which option is best for you.
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Age is a major risk factor because hormonal changes accumulate over time. After 50, the prostate’s second growth phase accelerates, with about 50% of men in their 50s and up to 90% by their 80s showing signs of enlargement. The longer exposure to DHT and hormonal shifts drives this risk higher with each decade.
Yes, if untreated, BPH can cause complications like urinary retention (inability to urinate), bladder stones, urinary tract infections, bladder damage, or even kidney damage from backpressure. Most cases don’t reach this point, but severe symptoms warrant attention.
No, BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) condition caused by hormonal growth, while prostate cancer involves malignant cells. They can share symptoms (e.g., urinary issues), but BPH doesn’t increase cancer risk. A doctor can distinguish them with tests like PSA levels or a biopsy.
You can’t fully prevent BPH due to its hormonal and age-related nature, but a healthy diet (low in red meat, high in fruits/veggies), regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight may slow progression. Avoiding excess caffeine or alcohol can also reduce symptoms.
BPH itself doesn’t directly impair sexual function, but symptoms like urinary urgency can disrupt quality of life. Some treatments (e.g., surgery or medications) may cause side effects like erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation, though these vary by individual.
See a doctor if you have persistent urinary problems (e.g., weak stream, frequent nighttime urination), severe pain, blood in urine, or sudden inability to urinate. These could signal BPH or complications needing urgent care.
