Prostate Enlargement (BPH): symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as enlarged prostate, BPH.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that squeezes the urine passage — extremely common in men over 50, causing weak flow, night-time urination and a feeling of incomplete emptying. It is not cancer, but the symptoms overlap, so proper assessment including a PSA discussion matters.
Symptoms
Weak or interrupted urine stream
Straining to start urination
Waking several times at night to urinate
Feeling the bladder never fully empties
Urgent need to urinate
Dribbling at the end of urination
Complete inability to pass urine (emergency)
Causes & risk factors
Age-related hormonal changes enlarging the prostate
Family history
Obesity and inactivity may worsen symptoms
Treatment & self-care
Mild symptoms may need only lifestyle measures — less evening fluid and caffeine, double voiding — while daily tablets that relax or shrink the prostate help most men; surgery relieves obstruction when medicines are not enough. Assessment includes ruling out prostate cancer with examination and a PSA blood test where appropriate. Never ignore complete inability to urinate.
See a doctor urgently if
Inability to pass urine at all — emergency
Blood in the urine
Urinary symptoms with fever or back pain
Night-time urination and weak stream affecting daily life
You are over 50 and have never discussed prostate screening
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Prostate Enlargement (BPH)?
Early signs often include weak or interrupted urine stream, straining to start urination, waking several times at night to urinate. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Prostate Enlargement (BPH) be treated?
Mild symptoms may need only lifestyle measures — less evening fluid and caffeine, double voiding — while daily tablets that relax or shrink the prostate help most men; surgery relieves obstruction when medicines are not enough. Assessment includes ruling out prostate cancer with examination and a PSA blood test where appropriate. Never ignore complete inability to urinate.
When should I see a doctor about Prostate Enlargement (BPH)?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: inability to pass urine at all — emergency; blood in the urine; urinary symptoms with fever or back pain; night-time urination and weak stream affecting daily life; you are over 50 and have never discussed prostate screening.