How common is difficulty passing urine in benign prostatic hyperplasia?

As the prostate enlarges, it can press around the urethra and make bladder emptying harder. You may wait for the stream to start, pass urine with a weaker flow, stop and start, or feel that your bladder has not emptied fully. Needing to urinate often, rushing to the toilet, or waking at night can occur alongside these changes. Similar symptoms can result from infection, medicines, narrowing of the urethra, or other bladder problems, so an examination is useful.

Arrange a routine appointment if the change is persistent or affecting sleep, travel, work, or intimacy. Note the stream, urgency, night-time trips, pain, blood, and medicines such as decongestants. A clinician may check your abdomen, urine, prostate, and bladder emptying, then discuss monitoring or treatment options. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice.

Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine, have severe lower abdominal pain, fever with urinary symptoms, vomiting, or visible blood with clots. Prompt review is also needed for rapidly worsening symptoms or new weakness in the legs.

Could my medicines or an infection be worsening the flow? How will you check whether urine remains in my bladder? Which treatment options fit my symptoms and other conditions?