What does difficulty passing urine feel like with benign prostatic hyperplasia?

The stream may stop and start, take longer than expected, or finish with dribbling. You may feel that your bladder has not fully emptied even after you have been to the toilet.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlargement of the prostate gland. As it enlarges, it can press on the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, making the flow less forceful or harder to begin.

Difficulty passing urine is a very common presentation of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Similar symptoms can also have other causes, including infection, medicines, bladder problems or narrowing of the urinary passage, so assessment can clarify what is contributing.

Arrange a medical appointment if urinary changes are persistent, worsening or disrupting sleep and daily activities. A clinician may ask about your symptoms and medicines, examine you, and check for causes that need different treatment.

Until you are assessed, give yourself enough time to pass urine and avoid straining forcefully. Note whether symptoms change after alcohol, caffeine, cold remedies or other medicines, and take that information to your appointment.

Seek urgent medical care if you cannot pass urine at all, especially if your lower abdomen becomes painful or swollen. This can mean the bladder is unable to empty and needs prompt treatment.

Get urgent advice for fever or chills with urinary symptoms, visible blood in the urine, severe back or side pain, or new confusion or marked weakness. These features need assessment rather than waiting for a routine visit.

Ask what may be causing your slow or hesitant flow, whether your medicines could be affecting urination, and what checks are appropriate for you. You can also ask how to monitor incomplete emptying, night-time urination and any change in symptoms.