What Is Prostate Enlargement (BPH)?

The prostate is a small gland located below the urinary bladder in men. It surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

As men age, the prostate may gradually increase in size. This condition is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

When the enlarged prostate presses against the urethra, it may restrict urine flow and make it more difficult to empty the bladder.

However, not every enlarged prostate causes urinary problems. Some men with a larger prostate have few symptoms, while others with a smaller enlargement experience considerable urinary difficulty.

BPH is not cancer and does not itself mean that prostate cancer is present. However, the two conditions can coexist, and urinary symptoms may have other causes.

Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

Prostate enlargement symptoms usually develop gradually. They may become more noticeable over time.

Common symptoms include:

  • Frequent urination: Needing to pass urine more often than usual.
  • Nocturia: Waking up repeatedly at night to urinate.
  • Weak urine stream: Reduced force or slow flow of urine.
  • Difficulty starting urination: Taking time before urine begins to flow.
  • Incomplete bladder emptying: Feeling that urine remains in the bladder after passing urine.
  • Intermittent urine flow: Urine starts and stops during urination.
  • Urinary urgency: A sudden, difficult-to-control urge to urinate.
  • Post-urination dribbling: Leakage of a small amount of urine after finishing.

Similar symptoms can occur with urinary tract infections, urethral strictures, bladder dysfunction and other prostate conditions. A proper diagnosis is important before starting treatment.

When Should You See a Urologist?

Consult a urologist if you experience persistent urinary symptoms, especially when they affect sleep, daily activities or bladder emptying.

Seek urgent medical assessment for:

  • Sudden inability to pass urine
  • Severe lower abdominal pain with difficulty urinating
  • Fever or chills associated with urinary symptoms
  • Visible blood in the urine
  • Reduced urine output with significant discomfort

Acute urinary retention may require immediate bladder drainage using a catheter.

What Causes Prostate Enlargement?

The exact biological causes of BPH are not completely understood. Age-related changes and hormonal factors are believed to contribute to prostate growth.

Factors associated with an increased likelihood of BPH include:

  • Increasing age, particularly after 50
  • Family history of prostate enlargement
  • Obesity and certain metabolic health conditions
  • Hormonal changes associated with ageing
  • Physical inactivity and other lifestyle factors

Prostate enlargement is not caused simply by drinking too much water or frequent sexual activity.

Although some lifestyle habits can worsen urinary symptoms, they do not necessarily cause the prostate itself to become enlarged.

How Is Prostate Enlargement Diagnosed?

A urologist evaluates both prostate-related symptoms and the possibility of other urinary disorders. The assessment may include the following:

1. Medical History and Symptom Assessment

The doctor may ask about frequency of urination, nighttime urination, weak flow, urgency, current medicines and the duration of symptoms.

A symptom questionnaire, such as the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), may help evaluate severity and the impact on daily life.

2. Physical Examination

A physical examination may include a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) to assess the prostate's approximate size and feel for abnormalities when clinically indicated.

3. Urine Examination

A urine test can help identify infections, blood or other abnormalities that may contribute to urinary symptoms.

4. PSA Blood Test

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test may be discussed when its result could influence further assessment or treatment.

An elevated PSA does not automatically indicate prostate cancer. PSA can be affected by BPH and other prostate conditions.

5. Ultrasound KUB and Prostate

Ultrasound may be used to evaluate prostate size, the urinary bladder, residual urine after urination and, when indicated, the kidneys.

6. Uroflowmetry Test

Uroflowmetry measures the speed and pattern of urine flow. It helps assess urinary flow abnormalities but does not independently establish the cause of obstruction.

Additional investigations, such as cystoscopy or urodynamic studies, may be recommended for selected patients rather than routinely for everyone.

Prostate Enlargement Treatment Options in Chembur, Mumbai

Not every man with BPH requires an operation. The treatment depends on symptom severity, prostate size, bladder emptying, medical history, complications and individual preferences.

1. Lifestyle Changes and Regular Monitoring

Men with mild symptoms that do not significantly affect daily activities may be advised to follow an observation and monitoring plan.

Recommended measures may include:

  • Reducing excessive fluid intake close to bedtime
  • Limiting caffeine and alcohol if they aggravate urinary symptoms
  • Maintaining regular physical activity
  • Avoiding prolonged delays in urination
  • Managing constipation
  • Reviewing medicines that may worsen urinary difficulties

Lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms, but they may not resolve significant urinary obstruction.

2. Medicines for Enlarged Prostate

Medication is commonly considered for men with bothersome urinary symptoms.

Alpha-blockers

Medicines such as tamsulosin, silodosin or alfuzosin relax smooth muscle around the prostate and bladder outlet to improve urine flow.

Possible side effects include dizziness, low blood pressure and changes in ejaculation.

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors

Medicines such as finasteride and dutasteride may gradually reduce prostate volume and the risk of progression in selected men with enlarged prostates.

These medicines generally take several months to produce their full effect and can have sexual side effects.

Other medications

In selected circumstances, other medicines, including tadalafil or medication targeting urgency and frequent urination, may be considered following clinical assessment.

Some patients benefit from combination treatment. Medication should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified clinician.

3. TURP Surgery for Prostate Enlargement

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is an established surgical procedure for treating urinary obstruction caused by BPH.

During TURP, a surgical instrument is passed through the urethra to remove prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow.

The procedure does not usually require an external skin incision.

TURP may be considered when medicines do not provide adequate relief or when complications of urinary obstruction develop.

Possible risks include bleeding, infection, retrograde ejaculation, temporary urinary discomfort and, less commonly, urinary incontinence or urethral narrowing.

4. HoLEP Laser Prostate Surgery

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is an endoscopic surgical technique that uses a holmium laser to separate obstructing prostate tissue, which is then removed.

HoLEP may be suitable for a range of prostate sizes, including large prostates, depending on individual clinical circumstances.

Potential benefits in selected patients include effective relief of obstruction and reduced bleeding compared with some conventional approaches.

However, HoLEP still carries procedural risks, including temporary urinary leakage, changes in ejaculation, infection and other complications.

Suitability depends on the patient's condition and the experience and facilities available.

5. Other Minimally Invasive BPH Procedures

Other treatment approaches may include prostate artery embolisation, water-vapour therapy, prostatic urethral lift or alternative endoscopic procedures.

These are not interchangeable treatments. Eligibility, outcomes, retreatment requirements and effects on sexual function vary.

Availability should be confirmed with the treating facility.

6. Surgery for Large Prostate Enlargement

In men with very large prostates or complex obstruction, enucleation techniques or selected simple prostatectomy approaches may be considered.

Simple prostatectomy for BPH is different from radical prostatectomy performed for prostate cancer.

The surgical plan depends on prostate size, anatomy, other bladder conditions, available surgical expertise and patient preferences.

Clinical basis: European Association of Urology 2026 Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Guidelines and Urological Society of India BPH guidelines.

TURP vs HoLEP — Which Is Better for Enlarged Prostate?

Both TURP and HoLEP are recognised procedures for relieving urinary obstruction associated with BPH. The choice should be individualised.

Factor TURP HoLEP
Surgical approach Endoscopic resection Endoscopic laser enucleation
External incision Usually none Usually none
Prostate size Commonly used for selected small-to-medium prostates Suitable across a broad range of sizes
Bleeding Possible Often less bleeding in suitable cases
Catheter use Usually temporary Usually temporary
Recovery Depends on patient and procedure Depends on patient and procedure
Sexual side effects Ejaculatory changes possible Ejaculatory changes possible

The most appropriate treatment is not determined by prostate size alone. Symptoms, bladder function, overall health, surgical risks and patient preferences all matter.

When Is Surgery Needed for Prostate Enlargement?

Surgery is not automatically required for every man with an enlarged prostate.

A urologist may recommend a procedure when:

  • Urinary symptoms remain troublesome despite appropriate medical treatment
  • Repeated urinary retention occurs
  • The bladder cannot empty adequately
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections are associated with obstruction
  • Bladder stones develop due to impaired emptying
  • Kidney function is affected by urinary obstruction
  • Recurrent visible bleeding is attributed to BPH after appropriate evaluation

The decision is based on clinical assessment, expected benefits, risks and the patient's treatment goals.

Recovery After Prostate Enlargement Surgery

Recovery after BPH surgery varies according to the procedure, prostate size and individual health.

What Happens After Surgery?

A urinary catheter is commonly placed temporarily after TURP or HoLEP.

Some patients experience temporary burning during urination, increased urinary frequency or blood-tinged urine while healing.

The treating team provides advice about medicines, catheter care, activity restrictions, hydration and follow-up appointments.

When Can Normal Activities Be Resumed?

The timing varies. Light routine activities may be possible relatively soon, while heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and sexual activity may need to be avoided for a period recommended by the surgeon.

Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects?

Potential longer-term effects can include ejaculatory changes, recurrent or persistent urinary symptoms, urethral narrowing and, less commonly, urinary incontinence.

The risk varies according to the technique, prostate condition and patient characteristics.

Can Prostate Enlargement Be Prevented?

There is no proven way to completely prevent age-related prostate enlargement.

However, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active and managing metabolic conditions may support overall urinary and general health.

Men with existing urinary symptoms may benefit from moderating caffeine, reviewing their evening fluid intake and following medical advice.

Routine follow-up is particularly important if symptoms worsen or incomplete bladder emptying has been identified.

Enlarged Prostate vs Prostate Cancer — What Is the Difference?

BPH and prostate cancer are different conditions.

Feature Prostate Enlargement (BPH) Prostate Cancer
Nature Non-cancerous prostate growth Malignant growth
Common presentation Urinary symptoms Often no symptoms early
PSA May be elevated May be elevated, but not always
Diagnosis Clinical assessment and relevant tests Clinical assessment and, when indicated, imaging and biopsy
Treatment Monitoring, medicines or BPH procedures Based on cancer stage, grade and overall health

Having BPH does not mean a patient has prostate cancer. Similarly, urinary symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish between the two.

Related service: Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate Enlargement Consultation in Chembur, Mumbai

Men experiencing frequent nighttime urination, weak urinary flow, difficulty starting urination or incomplete bladder emptying may benefit from a urology assessment.

Patients seeking prostate enlargement treatment in Chembur, Mumbai, can discuss their urinary symptoms, previous investigations and medical history with a qualified urologist.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include monitoring, medication or consideration of surgical options.

During your consultation, bring previous ultrasound reports, PSA results if available, urine test results and a list of medicines you currently take.

Dr. Shyam Mohan - Prostate Enlargement Specialist in Chembur

Dr. Shyam Mohan

Consultant Urologist, Uro-Oncologist & Robotic Surgeon
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Urology)
Fellowship in Advanced Robotic Uro-Oncology

Consultant Urologist, Uro-Oncologist & Robotic Surgeon in Chembur, Mumbai. Experienced in medical management of BPH, diagnostic uroflowmetry, bipolar TURP, and advanced HoLEP laser surgery for enlarged prostate.

Clinic: Synergy Health Clinic
Appointment Contact: +91 9892533940
Address: 5th floor Building 2, Business Point, Synergy Health Clinic 501, opp. Saibaba Mandir, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400077

Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Enlargement Treatment

Yes. Many men can manage BPH symptoms through lifestyle measures and prescribed medicines. Surgery may be considered if symptoms remain troublesome or complications develop.

There is no single best treatment for everyone. The choice depends on prostate size, symptom severity, bladder function, complications and patient preferences.

BPH is non-cancerous, but significant obstruction can sometimes cause urinary retention, recurrent infection, bladder stones or kidney problems. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated.

Possibly. Prostate size alone does not determine whether surgery is required. Medicines may be appropriate in selected patients, while others may benefit from a procedure.

HoLEP and TURP both have established roles. HoLEP may offer particular advantages for some patients, including those with larger prostates, but the decision depends on clinical factors and expertise.

Both procedures can cause changes in ejaculation, including retrograde ejaculation. Erectile function may also be affected in some patients, although risks vary. Discuss sexual side effects before treatment.

No. BPH is a benign condition and is not the same as prostate cancer. However, both conditions can occur in the same person.

No. Diabetes, sleep disorders, excessive nighttime urine production, certain medicines and bladder disorders can also cause nocturia.

Some men have stable, mild symptoms for years. Others may develop worsening urinary symptoms, retention or complications. The need for treatment depends on assessment and follow-up.

Costs vary according to whether TURP, HoLEP or another procedure is selected, as well as hospital charges, anaesthesia, medical complexity and insurance coverage. A personalised estimate should follow evaluation.

Medical sources for the content

The medical information is based primarily on:

  • European Association of Urology — 2026 Male LUTS Management Guidelines
  • Urological Society of India — BPH/BPO Management Guidelines
  • NIDDK — Enlarged Prostate: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
  • NMC — Professional Conduct Amendment Notification