Key takeaways

• Ignoring prostate symptoms can lead to serious health issues. Left unchecked, what starts as frequent urination or a weak stream can escalate to bladder damage, kidney problems, and painful urinary retention.
• Common signs of an enlarged prostate—also called benign prostatic hyperplasia—include frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder. These symptoms may seem minor at first but can gradually interfere with daily life and sleep.
• Untreated enlarged prostate problems can result in complications like infections and long-term urinary issues. Delaying treatment increases the risk of needing emergency medical intervention.
• Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) offers a minimally invasive treatment option. This procedure helps shrink the enlarged prostate gland without surgery, allowing for faster recovery and fewer side effects.
• Early detection means more treatment options and better outcomes. If prostate symptoms are affecting your quality of life, it’s time to see a doctor and take action before things get worse.

Picture a clogged drain. At first, water still trickles through, maybe just a little slower than before. But over time, the blockage grows, turning a minor annoyance into a full-blown problem. That’s what happens when the prostate enlarges—it gradually squeezes the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, making it harder to go.

This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s not cancer, and it doesn’t mean you’re at greater risk for prostate cancer. But that doesn’t make it harmless. Left unchecked, it can cause enlarged prostate problems like painful urinary retention, bladder damage, and even kidney issues.

BPH isn’t the only thing that can go wrong with the prostate. Prostatitis—inflammation of the prostate—can cause pain and flu-like symptoms. Prostate cancer, on the other hand, is a more serious disease that requires early detection and treatment. But BPH is by far the most common prostate issue, affecting half of men by age 60 and up to 90% by 85.

The problem? Many men ignore it, thinking it’s just part of aging. However, an untreated enlarged prostate can turn into something much worse.

Signs of an enlarged prostate: What to watch for

An enlarged prostate can cause subtle changes at first, but over time, the symptoms can become more noticeable. Recognizing the early signs can help you take a proactive approach to your prostate health.

• Frequent urination, especially at night: Needing to go multiple times can disrupt sleep and leave you feeling drained the next day.
• Weak or interrupted urine stream: The flow may start and stop unexpectedly, making urination take longer than usual.
• Difficulty starting urination: A delay before urine begins to flow or the need to strain can indicate a blockage in the bladder neck.
• A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying: Even after urinating, you may still feel like your bladder isn’t fully emptied.
• Urgency or leakage: Sudden urges can occur without warning, sometimes leading to unintentional leakage.
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen: A dull ache or pressure may develop, adding to the frustration.

These symptoms can vary in severity, and while they don’t always require immediate medical attention, keeping track of them can help you decide when it’s time to seek advice from a doctor.

Enlarged prostate vs. swollen prostate: What’s the difference?

Although the terms “enlarged prostate” and “swollen prostate” are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to different conditions and require distinct approaches to care. Understanding this difference is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment options.

Enlarged prostate

An enlarged prostate typically refers to BPH, where the prostate grows larger due to age-related hormonal changes. This structural enlargement is generally non-cancerous and may or may not be linked to infection or inflammation.

Swollen prostate

A swollen prostate, on the other hand, often indicates prostatitis, which involves inflammation of the prostate gland. This condition is frequently caused by a bacterial infection, although non-bacterial prostatitis can also occur. Symptoms may include pelvic pain, painful urination, and flu-like symptoms.

Since a swollen prostate is typically linked to infection or inflammation, the underlying cause must be treated first—often with antibiotics for bacterial prostatitis—before evaluating further options.

Why this distinction matters

Differentiating between an enlarged and swollen prostate ensures that patients receive the right care at the right time. Recognizing whether the prostate is enlarged or swollen guides appropriate treatment decisions and prevents confusion, as the causes and management strategies can differ significantly.

What problems can an enlarged prostate cause?

An enlarged prostate may start as a minor nuisance, but as time goes on, it can lead to complications that affect more than just your bathroom habits.

Urinary retention

As the prostate tissue enlarges, it can press so tightly against the urethra that urine flow is completely blocked. This can cause intense pain, swelling, and an urgent need for medical intervention. In severe cases, a catheter may need to be inserted to relieve pressure and drain the bladder.

Bladder damage

Over time, the bladder muscles must work harder to push urine past the obstruction. This extra strain can weaken the bladder walls, reducing their ability to contract properly. As a result, it becomes increasingly difficult to empty the bladder, leading to chronic urinary retention and discomfort.

Kidney issues

When urine backs up due to a blocked or inefficient flow, it puts added pressure on the kidneys. This can lead to kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) and, in severe cases, long-term kidney damage. If left untreated, kidney function may decline, increasing the risk of serious complications.

Infections

Urine that remains in the bladder for too long provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the likelihood of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Frequent infections can cause burning sensations, fever, and discomfort, and if bacteria travel to the kidneys, the infection can become even more serious.

Lower quality of life

The constant urge to urinate, interrupted sleep, and the stress of always needing to find a bathroom can take a toll on daily life. Many men with enlarged prostate problems experience frustration, fatigue, and even anxiety about their symptoms, impacting both their physical and mental well-being.

When to see a doctor about enlarged prostate problems

Mild BPH symptoms are common, but certain signs indicate that it’s time to get checked by a doctor. If any of the following symptoms persist or worsen, medical evaluation is recommended:

• You’re struggling to urinate: If it’s becoming increasingly difficult to start or maintain a steady urine flow, your prostate may be restricting the urethra.
• Nighttime urination is disrupting your sleep: Waking up frequently to urinate can take a toll on your energy levels and overall well-being.
• You experience sudden urgency or leakage: If you’re unable to hold urine or are experiencing accidents, your bladder may be under too much strain.
• Pain or discomfort develops: Prostate enlargement itself isn’t typically painful, so if you’re experiencing discomfort in the lower abdomen, back, or during urination, another issue could be present.
• Blood in urine or recurring infections appear: These can be warning signs of complications, such as infections or damage to the urinary system, and should be evaluated immediately.

Why early detection matters

Catching signs of an enlarged prostate early allows for more treatment options and lowers the risk of complications. Ignoring symptoms can lead to long-term bladder damage, kidney problems, and severe urinary retention that may require emergency intervention.

If your symptoms are persistent, disruptive, or worsening, don’t wait—talk to a doctor ASAP.

Benign prostate enlargement treatment: Prostatic artery embolization (PAE)

For men looking to treat enlarged prostate symptoms without surgery, prostatic artery embolization (PAE) offers a less invasive option. This outpatient procedure works by reducing blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink and ease pressure on the urethra.

How PAE works

• A small catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin or wrist.
• Tiny particles are injected into the arteries supplying the prostate, blocking blood flow.
• This leads the prostate to shrink over time, relieving urinary symptoms.

Why choose PAE?

• No hospital stay: The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.
• Lower risk of complications: Unlike surgery, PAE doesn’t involve cutting or removing tissue.
• Faster recovery: Most men return to normal activities within a few days.
• Fewer side effects: PAE has a lower risk of affecting sexual function compared to traditional prostate surgeries.

PAE is a good option for men who want relief from enlarged prostate symptoms but aren’t ready for surgery. It’s especially beneficial for those who experience moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms and want a less invasive alternative. PAE can also be an option for men who aren’t eligible for surgery due to health conditions or a prostate that is too large for surgical procedures.

The bottom line

Ignoring signs of an enlarged prostate won’t make them go away—it only increases the risk of serious problems like urinary retention, bladder damage, and kidney issues. The earlier you recognize the symptoms, the more treatment options you have, from lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures like PAE.

If frequent bathroom trips, weak urine flow, or discomfort are starting to interfere with your life, don’t wait. Talk to a doctor before minor annoyances turn into bigger problems.

To explore your options, take our FREE prostate risk assessment or find a healthcare provider near you.