Problems of the prostate gland are common as men age. They include benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, which is an enlargement of the gland usually caused by increased levels of a potent form of the hormone testosterone, called dihydrotestosterone. The Cleveland Clinic notes that this condition is not cancerous but causes prostate cells to grow, compressing the urethra, the tract that leads from the bladder to the outside of the body. BPH commonly causes urinary symptoms that are classified as irritating, such as frequent urination and urinating at night, or obstructive, such as dribbling or incomplete urination, according to a University of British Columbia study. A physical exam, biopsy and other tests by a physician can determine that BPH is the cause of symptoms.
Irritative Urinary Symptoms
Irritative urination is a main class of BPH symptoms, as described by the University of British Columbia. Irritative symptoms include frequent urination, increased night urination, sensations of burning and urgency when urinating. Frequent night urination is a noticeable sign of BPH as it leads to repeated waking disruption of sleep quality and quantity.
Obstructive Urinary Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, BPH symptoms tend to worsen over time as the prostate gland enlarges and there is increased pressure on the urethra. Obstructive urination symptoms occur due to a physical blockage on the flow of urine in the urethra. These include hesitancy or difficulty beginning urination, weak urine stream, difficulty completing urination, dribbling and a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. This can cause straining while urinating as well as disruption to sleep and daily activities.
Infection
BPH may also cause infection in the urethra or urinary tract, bladder and kidneys. This occurs due to obstruction of the urethra that causes incomplete or slowed emptying of urine and in severe cases, backflow of urine. The infection can cause pain, inflammation and fevers. According to the Mayo Clinic, infections in the urinary system can also lead to impaired functioning of the kidneys. Kidney stones may also develop due to BPH causing or worsening infections in the kidneys, bladder and urethra.
Hematuria
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a less common symptom of BPH but does occur in more severe cases, according to the Mayo Clinic. The urine may be tinged with pink or red color due to the presence of blood. Bleeding from the urethra may be caused by irritation and pressure from the enlarged prostate, as well as from kidney stones that may develop due to BPH and must be passed through the urinary tract, causing scraping and stretching of the ureter walls.
