Overview
The prostate is a small gland below the bladder in men that commonly enlarges with age. As it grows it presses on the urine tube and makes passing urine harder. This is not cancer, but it can seriously affect sleep and quality of life. Effective medicines relax or shrink the gland, and surgery helps when symptoms are severe or the bladder cannot empty.
Symptoms
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or a feeling of not fully emptying the bladder
- Sudden urges to pass urine
- Dribbling at the end of urination
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if urinary symptoms disturb sleep or daily life, or if there is blood in the urine.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Complete inability to pass urine with a painful, swollen lower abdomen — go to a hospital immediately
Causes
Natural changes in hormones as men age. The risk rises after age 50 and increases with family history.