Enlarged prostate (BPH)
Urinary symptoms in men over 50

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that is common as men get older. The enlarged gland can press on the urine passage, causing a weak stream, frequent urination and waking at night to pass urine. Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and medicines to surgery such as TURP.

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About BPH

What is an enlarged prostate?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland below the bladder in men, surrounding the urethra. It grows with age under the effect of hormones. BPH is not cancer and does not turn into cancer, but its symptoms can overlap with prostate cancer, so a check-up is important.

  • Very common after the age of 50
  • Not cancer, and does not turn into cancer
  • Symptoms do not always match the size of the gland
  • Can cause urine retention or infections
  • Many men manage well on medicines

Assess

Symptom score and examination.

Test

Urine test, PSA, ultrasound.

Treat

Medicines first for most.

Operate

TURP when needed.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of BPH

Symptoms usually develop slowly over years.

Weak stream

A slow or interrupted flow.

Straining to start

Waiting before urine starts.

Frequent urination

Passing urine often in the day.

Night-time urination

Waking more than once at night.

Urgency

A sudden need to rush.

Dribbling

Leaking at the end.

Incomplete emptying

Feeling the bladder is not empty.

Unable to pass urine

Sudden retention — an emergency.

Go to emergency if: you cannot pass urine at all, pass blood clots in the urine, or have fever with burning urine. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

Tests for an enlarged prostate

Tests confirm BPH and rule out other causes.

Symptom score

A questionnaire on urinary symptoms (IPSS).

Examination

Including a gentle rectal check of the prostate.

Urine and blood tests

Urine for infection; PSA and kidney function.

Ultrasound

Prostate size and urine left after passing urine.

Flow test

Measures the strength of the urine stream.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment depends on how much the symptoms bother you and on any complications.

Medical treatment

Alpha-blockers relax the prostate muscle and improve flow within days. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink the gland over months. They are often combined.

Alpha-blockers5-alpha reductase inhibitorsCombination therapy

Lifestyle

  • Less fluid in the evening
  • Cut down caffeine and alcohol

Good to know

  • Some medicines cause dizziness on standing
  • Review regularly with your urologist
Everyday life

Living with an enlarged prostate

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Fluids

Drink enough water during the day but less in the 2 hours before bed.

Check other medicines

Some cold and allergy medicines can make it harder to pass urine. Ask your doctor.

Regular review

Yearly check-ups help catch changes early.

Contact us urgently if

  • Unable to pass urine
  • Blood clots in the urine
  • Fever with burning urine
  • Lower abdominal pain with no urine
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about the prostate

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“An enlarged prostate means cancer.”

Tap to flip
Fact

BPH is not cancer. Tests help tell the two apart.

Myth

“Waking at night to urinate is just age.”

Tap to flip
Fact

It may be treatable. Get checked.

Myth

“Surgery is the only option.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Many men manage well with medicines and simple changes.

Your care team

Urologists

Dr. Kanishk Dokania, Urologist & Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Charak Hospital Lucknow
Urologist & Kidney Transplant Surgeon

Dr. Kanishk Dokania

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), M.Ch (Urology)

Laser and PCNL stone surgery, prostate surgery, laparoscopic and reconstructive urology, kidney transplant. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

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Urology TURP surgery Prostate conditions
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • PSA and urine reports
  • Ultrasound reports
  • List of current medicines

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Does BPH turn into cancer?

No. BPH and prostate cancer are different, but they can occur together, so your urologist may check PSA.

What is PSA?

A blood test for a protein made by the prostate. It can be raised in BPH, infection or cancer.

How long is the stay after TURP?

Usually a few days, with a catheter for a short time.

Will I need surgery?

Most men start with medicines. Surgery is advised for severe symptoms or complications.

Glossary

Words you may hear

ProstateA gland below the bladder in men.
PSAProstate-specific antigen, a blood test.
TURPTransurethral resection of the prostate.
Urinary retentionBeing unable to empty the bladder.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Urology TURP surgery Prostate conditions Kidney stones Health library

Weak stream or waking at night to pass urine?

Get it checked. See a urologist at Charak Hospital or call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Urology and Kidney Transplant, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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