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BPH Symptoms

BPH Symptoms – Know the Signs

Some men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have no symptoms. When symptoms (known as lower urinary tract symptoms, or LUTS) occur, they may range from mild and barely noticeable to severe and disruptive. The amount of prostate enlargement is not always related to the severity of the symptoms. Some men with only slight enlargement have severe symptoms, and some men with a great deal of enlargement have few symptoms.

BPH symptom severity may vary over time.  Your symptoms may become worse during cold weather or as a result of physical or emotional stress.

Some medicines can make your symptoms worse. These include over-the-counter cold medicines such as certain antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays and prescription medicines.  Please discuss your current medications with your urologist.

The symptoms of BPH may involve problems emptying the bladder or other problems with bladder  function.

“Symptoms from benign prostate enlargement (BPH) can significantly impact the quality of life for most patients. They include nighttime urination, frequent trips to the bathroom during the day, a weak urinary stream and embarrassing leakage. They can significantly interfere with your daily activities. Many patients with BPH are given medication to try to improve symptoms with only limited results. There are better alternatives – Minimally Invasive Treatments can be performed in the comfort and convenience of your urologist’s office in 30 minutes or less and can result in dramatic symptom relief! The results are typically far better than those experienced with medications without the need to take daily pills and without their side effects! I’ve treated more than 1100 patients with Minimally Invasive Therapy using microwave or radio frequency heating because they produce superior results. If you’re suffering from BPH symptoms you should ask your urologist about them!” – Robert P. Pugach, MD

Symptoms Related to Bladder Emptying

  • Difficulty starting a urine stream (hesitancy and straining)
  • Decreased strength of the urine stream (weak flow)
  • Dribbling after urination
  • Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
  • An urge to urinate again soon after urinating
  • Pain during urination (dysuria)

Symptoms Related to Bladder Storage

  • Waking at night to urinate (nocturia)
  • Frequent urination
  • A sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate

It is important to note that these symptoms are not always related to prostate enlargement and may indicate a different condition such as urinary tract infections, prostatitis, prostate cancer, diabetes, heart failure, or neurologic diseases.  If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important for you to be assessed by a Urologist.