Enlarged prostate Health Article

Support Groups

See: BPH support groups

Complications

Men who have had long-standing BPH with a gradual increase in symptoms may develop:

• Sudden inability to urinate
• Urinary tract infections
• Urinary stones
• Damage to the kidneys
• Blood in the urine

Even after surgical treatment, a recurrence of BPH may develop over time.

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Less urine than usual
• Fever or chills
• Back, side, or abdominal pain
• Blood or pus in your urine

Also call your doctor if:

• Your bladder does not feel completely empty after you urinate
• You take medications that may cause urinary problems, like diuretics, antihistamines, antidepressants, or sedatives. Do NOT stop or adjust your medications on your own without talking to your doctor
• You have taken self-care measures for 2 months without relief

References

Hormone Foundation. Hormones & you. Patient information page. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90(10):2.

AUA Practice Guidelines Committee. AUA guideline on management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (2003). Chapter 1: Diagnosis and treatment recommendations. J Urol. 2003;170:530-547.

Bent S, Kane C, Shinohara K, et. al. Saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia. NEJM. 2006; 354:557-566.