BPH: Understanding Enlarged Prostate, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When your prostate gland grows larger with age, it’s not cancer—it’s BPH, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that presses on the urethra and disrupts urine flow. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, it affects over half of men by age 60 and nearly 90% by 80. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it can mean waking up five times a night, rushing to the bathroom, or feeling like you never fully empty your bladder.

BPH doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. It’s tied to aging, hormones like DHT, and family history. You can’t stop aging, but you can manage how it affects you. Urinary symptoms, including weak stream, frequent urination, urgency, and nighttime trips to the bathroom, are the main red flags. Many men ignore them, thinking it’s just part of getting older. But untreated BPH can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or even kidney damage. The good news? You don’t have to live with it. Medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors help most men without surgery. Lifestyle changes—cutting back on caffeine, avoiding fluids before bed, and staying active—also make a real difference.

Some men turn to supplements like saw palmetto, but the science is mixed. Others worry about side effects from pills—dizziness, low blood pressure, or sexual problems. That’s why knowing your options matters. Procedures like UroLift or TURP aren’t for everyone, but they’re life-changing for those who need them. And while BPH and prostate cancer both affect the prostate, they’re not the same thing. One is common and treatable; the other requires urgent attention. Knowing the difference can ease your mind and guide your next steps.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how medications interact with BPH treatments, what supplements might help or hurt, how to track symptoms over time, and why some men feel worse after switching generics. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re practical insights from men who’ve been there. Whether you’re just noticing symptoms or managing them for years, this collection gives you what you need to take control—without the fluff.