As men age, it's common to experience more frequent trips to the bathroom, especially during the night. Many men find themselves waking up to urinate, often accompanied by discomfort, such as straining to begin urination or experiencing pain and burning while doing so. While these symptoms are widespread among men over 60, most are unaware of their underlying cause.

These symptoms could indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. BPH is one of the most prevalent urological conditions in men over 60. In fact, research shows that 60% of men over 60 and up to 80% of men over 80 are affected by BPH (Lepor, 2005).

Though BPH is not life-threatening and does not develop into prostate cancer, it can still cause significant discomfort and affect daily life. The severity of BPH symptoms can vary, but some of the most common include:

• Waking up at night to urinate

• Frequent urination, often occurring every two hours or less

• Pain or burning sensation during urination

• Sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate

• Difficulty starting urination, requiring pushing or straining

• The feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

• Dribbling after urination

BPH is largely linked to aging due to natural growth patterns in the prostate. After the age of 40, men may experience a second round of prostate growth, which is considered part of the aging process. The prostate is located just below the bladder and is responsible for producing fluid for semen. As the prostate enlarges, it can put pressure on the urethra—similar to a clamp on a hose—restricting the flow of urine and leading to many of the symptoms associated with BPH (Andriole, 2015).

Although there is no cure for BPH, a variety of treatments are available to manage the symptoms. These range from prescription medications to surgical interventions and minimally invasive procedures that can provide rapid relief and improve quality of life.

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References:

Andriole, G. L. (2015). Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and natural history. UpToDate. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-epidemiology-pathophysiology-and-natural-history

Lepor, H. (2005). Pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia in the aging male population. Reviews in Urology, 7(Suppl 7), S3–S12.