What are the treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia?

BPH is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can narrow the urine channel. The best option depends on how often you pass urine, whether the stream is weak, how much night-time waking occurs, and whether the bladder is emptying. A clinician may examine you, review medicines, and use a Urine Test to look for infection or blood. Symptoms can also have causes other than BPH.

A GP Consultation can compare watchful monitoring with medicine. Reducing drinks close to bedtime, limiting bladder irritants such as caffeine, and trying double voiding may help some people. Medicines can relax prostate muscle or reduce prostate size; they may affect blood pressure, ejaculation, or sexual function. If symptoms persist, a urology referral may discuss procedures that widen the urine passage.

Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine, have severe lower abdominal pain, fever with urinary symptoms, or feel very unwell. Arrange prompt review for visible blood in urine, repeated infections, worsening leakage, or a sudden change in urinary function. Do not delay assessment because prostate symptoms can become harder to manage when the bladder is overfilled.

Ask what may be causing your symptoms, whether a Urine Test or other assessment is needed, how long a medicine trial should last, and which side effects require a call.