Prostate Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
Trouble starting a urine stream, passing urine often (especially at night), and feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied are all common symptoms of an enlarged prostate. The symptoms of this condition can vary, but they usually involve changes or problems with urination. At their worst, the symptoms can lead to complications such as infections, bladder or kidney damage, or incontinence.
Many enlarged prostate symptoms stem from an obstruction of the urethra and gradual loss of bladder function, which can result in incomplete emptying of the bladder.
The symptoms of this condition vary, but the most common ones involve changes or problems with urination, such as:
- Trouble starting a urine stream or making more than a dribble
- Passing urine often, especially at night
- Feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
- A strong or sudden urge to urinate
- A weak or slow urine stream
- Stopping and starting again several times while passing urine
- Pushing or straining to begin passing urine.
At their worst, symptoms of an enlarged prostate can lead to:
- A weak bladder
- Backflow of urine causing bladder or kidney infections
- Complete block in the flow of urine
- Kidney failure.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD