What is the first treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can narrow the urine channel. This may cause a slower stream, hesitancy, dribbling, frequent night-time urination, or a sudden urge. A clinician considers how much symptoms affect sleep and daily life, checks medicines and health conditions, and may examine the abdomen and prostate. Symptoms can also come from infection or another urinary problem, so assessment matters before choosing treatment.

Keep a short record of drinks, toilet visits, urgency, and night waking. Reducing evening fluids, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and taking time to empty the bladder may reduce bother for some people. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice. A GP Consultation can decide whether monitoring is reasonable or whether an alpha blocker or another medicine should be discussed. A Urine Test may help look for infection, blood, or another explanation for urinary symptoms.

Get urgent help if you cannot pass urine, have severe lower-abdominal pain, fever with urinary symptoms, confusion, or heavy blood in the urine. Arrange prompt medical review for repeated infections, worsening leakage, pain when urinating, or symptoms that are rapidly changing. These signs need assessment rather than being assumed to be prostate enlargement.

Ask what may be causing your symptoms, whether a urine sample or other checks are needed, how long monitoring should continue, and which medicine effects to watch for. It is also useful to ask how prostate symptoms could affect sleep, sexual function, or other treatments you take.