Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) can cause a variety of urinary symptoms because the enlarged prostate presses on the urethra and affects urine flow. Common symptoms include:

• A weak or slow urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• Dribbling at the end of urination

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)

• A sudden, urgent need to urinate

• Feeling like your bladder isn’t fully empty

These symptoms can range from mild to bothersome, and they often get worse over time. While BPH isn’t life-threatening, it's important to seek advice if symptoms affect your daily life or sleep. Effective treatments are available to help manage and relieve discomfort.

Diagnosing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) involves a medical history review, physical examination and sometimes additional tests. These may include a:

• Digital rectal exam (DRE) – to gently check the size and shape of your prostate.

• Urine test – to rule out infection or other issues.

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test – to help assess prostate health

• Urinary flow test – to measure how strong your urine stream is.

• Bladder ultrasound or post-void residual test – to check how much urine is left in the bladder after urinating.

• Urodynamic studies or cystoscopy – sometimes used if more information is needed.

These tests help guide the best treatment options based on your symptoms and prostate size.

Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they affect your daily life. Options range from simple monitoring to medications and procedures.

Watchful Waiting
For men with mild or manageable symptoms, no immediate treatment may be needed. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes can help, such as reducing intake of fluids before bed, limiting caffeine, alcohol, spicy or acidic foods, and staying physically active.

Medications
Several types of medications can help:

• Alpha-blockers relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow.

• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate over time and are often used for larger prostates.

In some cases, drugs like anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists may be used to calm an overactive bladder, especially if the bladder has become irritated from the enlarged prostate

Surgical Procedures
If symptoms are more severe or don’t improve with medication, procedures may be recommended. Options include:

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – a common surgery to remove excess prostate tissue.

• Laser enucleation of the prostate – uses laser energy to remove tissue and improve flow.

Dr. Matthew will guide you to the best option based on your prostate size, symptoms, and overall health.

While Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a natural part of aging and can't always be prevented, certain lifestyle habits may help reduce your risk or slow its progression:

• Stay physically active – regular exercise supports hormonal balance and bladder health.

• Maintain a healthy weight – obesity is linked to a higher risk of BPH.

• Eat a balanced diet – rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (like those from fish and nuts).

• Limit alcohol and caffeine – these can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms.

• Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid before bedtime – to reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom.

• Manage stress – anxiety can increase urinary urgency and frequency.

While you may not completely prevent BPH, these habits can improve prostate health and overall well-being. Regular check-ups can also help catch any changes early.