What are the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia?

As the prostate enlarges, it can narrow the passage carrying urine from the bladder. You may need to wait for urine to start, strain, stop and start, or notice a weaker stream. Dribbling after urination and a feeling that the bladder has not emptied can follow. Urgency and frequent urination may interrupt work or sleep, and leakage can occur when the urge is difficult to delay. These symptoms can have other causes, including infection or bladder problems, so they should be assessed rather than self-diagnosed.

Keep a short record of daytime and night-time urination, urgency, leakage, stream changes and medicines. Arrange a GP consultation when symptoms persist, worsen or affect sleep. Assessment may include questions, an examination and a urine test to look for other explanations. A clinician can discuss monitoring, lifestyle measures or prescription treatment based on symptom burden and bladder function.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine, develop severe lower-abdominal pain, have fever with urinary symptoms, or see blood in your urine. Sudden inability to empty the bladder requires prompt treatment. Do not delay assessment because urinary symptoms may come from more than an enlarged prostate.

Could infection or another bladder problem explain my symptoms? Do I need a urine test? How can I measure whether my bladder is emptying? Which medicines may worsen urination? What should I do if I suddenly cannot pass urine?