Does benign prostatic hyperplasia cause frequent urination?

You may need to pass urine more often during the day or wake repeatedly at night. Other symptoms can include a weak stream, difficulty starting, stopping and starting, or a feeling that the bladder has not emptied. These symptoms can also come from infection, diabetes, medicines, or other bladder problems, so frequent urination alone does not identify its cause.

Arrange a clinical assessment if the change is persistent or disrupts sleep. A clinician may ask about fluid intake, caffeine, medicines, stream changes and night-time bathroom visits, then examine you and request urine or blood tests when appropriate. Reducing evening drinks and caffeine may help, but do not sharply restrict fluids if you are thirsty or unwell.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine, have severe lower-abdominal pain, fever with urinary symptoms, or see blood in the urine. New frequent urination with marked thirst, vomiting, confusion, or weakness also needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit prostate enlargement, whether another condition should be checked, and which tests are suitable. You can also ask how treatment choices may affect your stream, night-time symptoms, sexual function, and bladder emptying.