An enlarged prostate is the common name for a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or benign prostatic hypertrophy, which can cause urinary symptoms in older men. The prostate is a male reproductive gland that surrounds the tube that carries urine out of the body, according to MedlinePlus. As men age, this gland often grows and sometimes it squeezes the tube, making it difficult for urine to pass through. The condition is treatable and not usually serious, but the symptoms can be annoying and sometimes lead to serious complications.
Normal Symptoms
Less than 50 percent of men with an enlarged prostate develop symptoms, according to MedlinePlus. Symptoms include the inability to urinate or completely empty the bladder, dribbling, loss of control of urination, needing to get up two or more times each night to urinate, pain with urination, blood in the urine, slow urination, difficulty starting urination, a sudden strong urge to urinate and a weak urine stream.
Urinary Retention
Urinary retention occurs when a man completely loses the ability to urinate, according to MedlinePlus. This is an emergency as the urine can back up and damage the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract. It is also quite painful. But a doctor can treat the condition by using a catheter to empty the bladder, according to Mayo Clinic.
Urinary Tract Infections
An enlarged prostate can make a man more susceptible to urinary tract infections, according to MedlinePlus. This causes difficulty and pain on urination, blood in the urine and other symptoms. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Organ Damage
Enlarged prostate can cause damage to the kidneys and the bladder, because the urine can't be properly eliminated from the body, according to MedlinePlus. This can stretch out or weaken the bladder or cause swelling in the kidneys, according to Mayo Clinic.
Urinary Stones
When a man can't completely empty his bladder, mineral deposits build up and form stones, according to Mayo Clinic. These can cause infection, irritation, blood in the urine and blockages.
