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Benign prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a very common non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland grows larger. The prostate is a gland in men that surrounds the neck of the bladder.
read more about benign prostate enlargement ...The cause is hormonal changes linked to aging. As men age, the balance of hormones changes, which stimulates the prostate cells to grow. Risk factors include age (it is rare in men under 40) and a family history of benign prostate enlargement.
Symptoms center on urinary difficulties. These include a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, and dribbling after finishing. Many people feel the urge to urinate more often, especially at night. Incomplete bladder emptying can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infection. Over time, the bladder muscle may become strained, leading to more frequent or urgent trips to the bathroom. These symptoms vary in severity and tend to worsen gradually with age.
Benign prostate enlargement itself does not impact vision. However, many medications used to treat BPE can have ocular side effects. Alpha-blockers, a common BPE medication, can affect the muscles controlling the iris, complicating cataract surgery (Floppy Iris Syndrome).
Treatment options range from watchful waiting for mild cases to medications that shrink the prostate or relax the bladder neck (alpha-blockers). Surgical procedures, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), are used for severe cases.
Men taking alpha-blockers for BPE must inform their eye doctor before undergoing cataract surgery. The medication requires the surgeon to use modified techniques to prevent complications during the procedure.
No, benign prostate enlargement is non-cancerous. However, the symptoms can be similar, requiring a doctor's evaluation.
Medication can relieve symptoms and sometimes shrink the prostate, but it is not a permanent cure.
Benign prostate enlargement is extremely common. About half of all men aged 51 to 60 have BPE.
See a urologist if you have trouble starting urination or feel you can't empty your bladder. Note: Some BPE medications (alpha-blockers) can cause "Floppy Iris Syndrome" during cataract surgery. Always tell your eye surgeon if you are taking prostate medication.
NHS. Prostate Enlargement (nhs.uk). 2025.
MedlinePlus. BPH (medlineplus.gov). 2025.
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. BPH Management (ccjm.org). 2017.
NHS inform. Benign Prostatic Enlargement (nhsinform.scot). 2025.