An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is when the prostate gland gets bigger. It is very common in men and people with a prostate over 50. The prostate sits below the bladder and wraps around the tube that carries pee (the urethra), so when it grows it can squeeze the tube.
Symptoms
- difficulty starting to pee
- a weak flow, or stopping and starting
- needing to pee more often, or urgently
- getting up in the night to pee
- feeling your bladder has not emptied properly
- dribbling after you finish
Getting diagnosed
Your GP may:
- ask you to keep a bladder diary
- check your urine for infection
- examine your prostate through your bottom (a rectal examination)
- offer a PSA blood test, after talking through the pros and cons
- use a symptom score questionnaire
Read about treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Common questions
Does an enlarged prostate mean I have cancer?
No. An enlarged prostate is not cancer and does not increase your risk of prostate cancer. But the symptoms can be similar, so it is worth seeing a GP.
Should I have a PSA test?
Your GP can talk you through the pros and cons. The PSA blood test can help check for prostate cancer, but it is not perfect. You are entitled to one if you are over 50 and ask for it after talking it through.
Sources we used
- NHS, Benign prostate enlargement
- NICE guideline CG97, Lower urinary tract symptoms in men
- Prostate Cancer UK, Enlarged prostate
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.