Symptoms

Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

As the prostate grows, usually starting around age 50, it can press on the bladder and urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. The pressure can create symptoms that include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Disrupted urine flow or dribbling as the bladder empties
• Straining to begin urination or during urination
• Incontinence
• Frequent urination, especially at night 

Left untreated, an enlarged prostate can cause the bladder to stretch out of shape and prevent urine from emptying completely. When urine remains in the bladder, a urinary tract infection or bladder stones can develop. You might also experience leaking of urine due to the increased pressure.

When the bladder doesn’t empty adequately, the kidneys aren’t able to drain into the bladder properly. Over time, the kidneys can begin to fail.