Prostate Enlargement: Causes, Symptoms, and What Works

When your bladder doesn’t empty right, you’re up at night more than ever, or you feel like you’re always in a hurry to find a bathroom—you might be dealing with prostate enlargement, a non-cancerous swelling of the prostate gland that presses on the urethra and blocks urine flow. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, it’s not a disease, but a common part of aging for men over 50.

It’s not just about frequent urination. Prostate enlargement can cause weak stream, sudden urges, dribbling after peeing, or even complete blockage. It doesn’t mean you have cancer, but it can mess with sleep, work, and your sense of control. Many men ignore it until it’s painful or they can’t pee at all. That’s when they rush to the doctor—too late. The truth? Most cases get worse slowly, and there are clear ways to manage them before they become emergencies.

What drives it? Hormones change as men age, especially the balance between testosterone and estrogen. That shift tells prostate cells to grow. Genetics play a role too—if your dad had it, you’re more likely to. Lifestyle doesn’t cause it, but being overweight or inactive can make symptoms worse. And while some supplements claim to shrink the prostate, only a few have real proof behind them. Medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are the go-to options backed by decades of studies. Surgery isn’t always needed, but when it is, procedures like TURP or laser treatments can give you back your life.

There’s also a group of men who think their symptoms are just "getting old" and don’t seek help. But if you’re waking up twice or more a night to pee, or if you’ve started avoiding social events because you’re scared of not finding a bathroom—you’re not alone, and you don’t have to live like this. The right treatment can cut nighttime trips in half, improve flow, and stop the panic of sudden urges.

Below, you’ll find real, no-nonsense guides on what works, what doesn’t, and how to talk to your doctor about options that fit your life. No hype. Just facts from men who’ve been there and doctors who’ve seen it all.