If you’re running to the bathroom more often, waking up at night to pee, or feeling like your bladder never fully empties, you’re not alone. These symptoms can be frustrating, embarrassing, and exhausting. Many men experience these problems because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called an enlarged prostate.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you might ask, “How common is BPH?” The truth is, an enlarged prostate is very common as men get older, and it can have a big impact on daily life if left untreated.
How Common Is BPH as Men Age?
BPH tends to follow a predictable pattern over the course of a man’s life. More than half of men over 50 have some degree of prostate enlargement, and the percentage increases sharply with age.
- 50s: Around 50% of men show BPH changes
- 60s: Roughly 60% have enlargement
- 70s: About 80% of men have prostate growth
- 80s and older: Up to 90% have some degree of prostate enlargement
These numbers show prostate growth seen under a microscope, not necessarily symptoms.
What’s the Difference Between Prostate Growth and BPH Symptoms?
Not all prostate enlargement leads to urinary problems. BPH can be understood in two ways:
Histologic BPH
With histologic changes, prostate growth is detected when tissue is examined under a microscope. Many men experience prostate changes beginning in their 40s. But most don’t notice symptoms because growth alone doesn’t always cause blockage.
Symptomatic BPH
Symptoms begin when the growing prostate presses on the urethra or changes how the bladder empties.
Only 25 to 50% of men with enlarged tissue actually develop symptoms, and these usually appear gradually.
What BPH Symptoms Should Men Watch For?
BPH symptoms relate to how easily urine can pass through the prostate. Men often describe changes in the way they urinate, such as:
- A weak or slow urine stream
- Difficulty getting the flow started
- Dribbling after finishing
- Feeling like the bladder doesn’t empty completely
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- A sudden or strong urge to urinate
Some men also develop urinary tract infections if the bladder isn’t emptying well.
Why Is It Important to Get Symptoms Checked?
BPH is not prostate cancer, but the symptoms can overlap.
Because prostate cancer can grow quietly in its early stages, it’s important not to assume urinary symptoms are simply a part of aging. A prostate exam and a PSA blood test can help your doctor determine what’s going on.
Early evaluation is the safest approach, especially if symptoms are new or worsening.
What Treatments Are Available for BPH?
If you have BPH, there are many treatment options available. The right treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much they affect your daily life. Your doctor will also consider your prostate size and long-term goals.
Watchful waiting
This approach is used when symptoms are mild and not disrupting daily life. It focuses on working with your doctor to actively monitor changes over time. It also uses simple strategies such as adjusting fluid intake or avoiding bladder irritants to reduce symptoms.
Medications
Alpha-blockers help relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier for urine to flow. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors work more slowly. But they can shrink the prostate over time, and some men benefit from taking both types together.
Minimally invasive procedures
Rezūm uses small bursts of steam to shrink excess prostate tissue, which can improve urinary flow without major surgery.
GreenLight laser therapy uses a high-powered laser to vaporize excess prostate tissue. This can relieve urinary blockage from BPH.
UroLift holds enlarged prostate tissue out of the way to open the urethra. This helps urine flow more easily without cutting or removing prostate tissue, and recovery is often quicker than with surgery.
Aquablation therapy uses a strong stream of water to remove extra prostate tissue. It helps urine flow better and is designed to lower the risk of side effects like sexual problems.
How Common Is BPH? Get Answers and Expert Care
If you’re still asking, “How common is BPH?”, you don’t have to keep guessing. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is very common, and help is available.
If urinary symptoms are affecting your sleep or daily life, it might be time to talk with a specialist. Our urology team provides expert care for men with prostate concerns in the greater Eugene–Springfield, OR area. Call (541) 334-3350 to schedule an appointment today.