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Health condition

Enlarged prostate (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that squeezes the urethra, causing a weak stream, hesitancy and night-time trips to the toilet.

Last reviewed 2026-09-27 · Next review due 2027-09-27

Key points

  • Common symptoms: weak or slow stream, hesitancy, dribbling, urgency and waking at night to urinate

  • See a GP if symptoms affect daily life, or urgently if you cannot pass urine at all

  • Assessed and treated by a consultant urologist

  • Treatments range from lifestyle change and tablets (alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors) to procedures such as UroLift, Rezum, HoLEP or TURP

  • BPH is benign, but symptoms overlap with prostate cancer, so assessment matters

Understanding it

About Enlarged prostate (BPH).

BPH is very common with age: the prostate slowly enlarges and presses on the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. Typical symptoms include a weak or interrupted stream, difficulty starting, dribbling at the end, a feeling of incomplete emptying, and getting up several times a night.

A symptom score, urine flow tests, a PSA blood test and a bladder scan, followed by tablets or one of several modern procedures (UroLift, Rezum, HoLEP, TURP) chosen to fit your prostate size and priorities. On the NHS, routine referrals of this kind often take 20-45+ weeks in many areas, whereas a private consultant urologist can typically see you within around two weeks, with any tests and treatment arranged promptly afterwards.

A quiet reminder

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP or specialist knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and treat sudden severe symptoms as an emergency.

Frequently asked

Common questions about Enlarged prostate (BPH).

Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.

  • What does enlarged prostate (BPH) mean?

    Enlarged prostate (BPH) is a condition your doctor may diagnose based on your symptoms, medical history and, where needed, examination or test results. Understanding exactly how it applies to your situation is best done with a clinician who can look at your full picture rather than relying on general information alone.

  • What are the risk factors for enlarged prostate (BPH)?

    The exact cause of enlarged prostate (BPH) can involve a mix of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, and it isn't always possible to pin down a single trigger. A specialist assessment can help identify any modifiable risk factors relevant to you.

  • What are the symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH)?

    Symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH) vary from person to person and can range from mild and easily missed to significant enough to affect daily life. Because overlapping conditions can produce similar symptoms, a clinical assessment is the most reliable way to confirm what's actually going on.

  • Is enlarged prostate (BPH) serious or dangerous?

    Most cases of enlarged prostate (BPH) are manageable with appropriate care, though, like many conditions, it can occasionally lead to complications if left unassessed or untreated. Your clinician can give you a realistic sense of the risks based on your specific presentation.

  • Does enlarged prostate (BPH) run in families?

    In most cases enlarged prostate (BPH) isn't straightforwardly inherited, though family history can sometimes be a relevant background factor. A clinician can help you understand whether it's worth mentioning relatives' health when being assessed.

  • Can enlarged prostate (BPH) be treated or prevented?

    Enlarged prostate (BPH) can often be managed effectively, and in some cases prevented or reversed, with the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication or other targeted treatment. A specialist will tailor the approach to your circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan.

  • What treatment options are available for enlarged prostate (BPH)?

    Management of enlarged prostate (BPH) is individualised, ranging from conservative measures and monitoring through to more active medical or surgical treatment depending on how it's affecting you. A clear diagnosis is the first step towards choosing the right approach.

  • How long does enlarged prostate (BPH) last?

    The outlook for enlarged prostate (BPH) varies widely depending on the underlying cause, how early it's diagnosed, and how it responds to treatment. Many people see significant improvement with appropriate care, and your specialist can give you a more personalised timeframe once they've reviewed your case.

  • What else could enlarged prostate (BPH) be mistaken for?

    Because several conditions can share similar symptoms to enlarged prostate (BPH), clinicians often consider a short list of possibilities before confirming a diagnosis. This is one of the main reasons a proper assessment, and sometimes targeted tests, matters more than relying on symptoms alone.

  • When should I see a doctor about enlarged prostate (BPH), and how quickly can I be seen privately?

    It's worth seeking medical advice if symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH) are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, rather than waiting for them to resolve on their own. NHS routine referrals for this kind of assessment can take anywhere from around 20 to 45+ weeks, whereas private consultants typically offer an appointment within about two weeks.