Signs of an enlarged prostate

The prostate sits below the bladder and surrounds part of the urine tube. When it enlarges, it can narrow that passage and make the bladder work harder. Symptoms may include needing to pass urine at night, stopping and starting, straining, a feeling that the bladder has not emptied, or occasional leakage. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is non-cancerous, but similar urinary symptoms can have other causes, including infection, stones, medicines, or prostate conditions that need assessment.

Symptoms may be mild, intermittent, or troublesome enough to affect sleep and daily plans. Their intensity does not reliably show the size of the prostate.

Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if symptoms persist, disrupt sleep, or are changing. Note when symptoms occur, how often you wake, whether there is pain or leakage, and which medicines or drinks may worsen them. A clinician may examine you, review medicines, and request a [Urine Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/urine-test/) to look for infection or blood. Treatment depends on the cause and how much symptoms affect you.

Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine, have severe lower-abdominal pain, fever with urinary symptoms, blood in the urine, or pain in the side or back. Sudden inability to urinate can stretch the bladder and needs prompt treatment. New urinary incontinence, weakness, or numbness in the legs also warrants urgent assessment rather than watchful waiting.

Ask whether your symptoms fit [Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia](/conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/), which tests are needed, whether a medicine could be contributing, and what changes should trigger urgent review.