What You Should Know About Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Let’s be honest — talking about prostate health probably isn’t high on your list of favorite conversations. But if you’re a man over 40, it’s something that might start showing up in your daily life, whether you realize it or not.
That frequent urge to pee? The weak stream? The feeling that your bladder never quite empties? That could be BPH — short for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, a fancy term for something pretty common: an enlarged prostate.
So... What Is BPH?
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland — and it happens naturally for a lot of men as they get older. The prostate is a small gland that sits just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body). As it grows, it can start pressing on the urethra, slowing or even blocking urine flow.
It’s not life-threatening, but it can be frustrating.
Who Gets It?
If you’re in your 40s or beyond, you’re in the age group where BPH becomes more common. In fact:
- About 50% of men in their 50s show signs of BPH
- That number jumps to around 90% by age 80
You’re more likely to develop BPH if:
- You have a family history of prostate issues
- You’re overweight or inactive
- You have diabetes or heart disease
But even if none of that applies, age alone is a major factor.
SymPTOMS YOU MIGHT NOTICE
BPH symptoms usually creep in gradually. You might notice:
- A weak or slow urine stream
- Trouble starting to pee
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- That “gotta go” feeling, even right after you’ve gone
- A sense that your bladder never fully empties
- Dribbling at the end of urination
Sometimes it’s just mildly annoying. Other times, it can really impact your day (and sleep).
What Causes It?
Doctors aren’t totally sure why the prostate starts growing with age, but it likely has to do with hormonal changes — specifically how testosterone and a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) behave as we age.
It’s not caused by sex, masturbation, or any lifestyle factor directly — though general health and habits can affect how much it impacts you.
When Should You Get It Checked?
If you’re peeing more than usual or noticing any of the above symptoms, it’s worth getting evaluated. It might not be BPH — but if it is, the sooner you deal with it, the better your quality of life will be.
Also: if you ever find yourself completely unable to urinate, that’s a medical emergency. Go to the ER.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your doctor will likely start with:
- A discussion about your symptoms
- A physical exam (including a digital rectal exam — not fun, but quick)
- Urine tests to rule out infection
- A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test
- Possibly a bladder ultrasound or urine flow study
Don’t worry — most of these are quick and non-invasive.
What Can You Do About It?
Good news: You’ve got options.
Lifestyle tweaks:
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol (they can make symptoms worse)
- Avoid drinking fluids a few hours before bed
- Stay active — even walking helps
- Maintain a healthy weight
Medications:
- Alpha-blockers relax the prostate and bladder muscles (helping you pee easier)
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors actually shrink the prostate over time
- Some men use both
Minimally invasive treatment:
If meds aren’t cutting it, newer procedures like UroLift or Rezūm use implants or steam to open up the urinary channel — usually with less recovery time than traditional surgery.
Surgery:
In more advanced cases, surgical procedures like TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) are still common and very effective.
Living With BPH
It’s totally normal to feel frustrated or even embarrassed about these kinds of changes. But the truth is, BPH is incredibly common — and manageable. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to just “deal with it.”
Open up to your doctor. Start small with lifestyle changes. Explore your treatment options. And don’t ignore the signs — the sooner you take action, the better you’ll feel.
