Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
The prostate naturally enlarges with age, which can squeeze the urine tube and cause bothersome urinary symptoms. It is common, usually not cancer, and very treatable.
Symptoms: weak flow, hesitancy, dribbling, going often, and at night
Lifestyle: limit evening fluids and caffeine/alcohol
Medicines: alpha-blockers (tamsulosin) relax the flow; finasteride/dutasteride shrink the prostate
Surgery (like TURP) for severe or drug-resistant cases
A check often includes a urine test, examination and PSA
When to see a doctor urgently
Sudden inability to pass urine (retention) — urgent
Blood in the urine
Fever with urinary symptoms (possible infection)
Weight loss, bone pain, or a hard/irregular prostate — needs cancer assessment
BPH is not prostate cancer. An enlarged prostate is usually benign, but similar symptoms can occur with prostate cancer, so a proper check (including PSA where appropriate) matters. MedDroid gives general information, not a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is an enlarged prostate cancer?
Usually not — BPH is a benign, age-related enlargement. But because symptoms can overlap with prostate cancer, a doctor’s assessment (and sometimes PSA) is important.
What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?
A weak or hesitant urine stream, dribbling, needing to go frequently and urgently, and getting up at night to pass urine.
How is BPH treated?
Lifestyle measures, alpha-blockers like tamsulosin to ease flow, and finasteride/dutasteride to shrink the prostate. Surgery is used for severe cases.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.