Symptoms will appear gradually over time. Prostate that has grown enough to create problems with urine flow may cause:

• Incomplete emptying—a feeling that the bladder is not empty after urinating
• Frequency—needing to urinate again less than 2 hours after urinating
• Urgency—urge to urinate is very strong and hard to postpone
• Nocturia—having to wake and get up out of bed to urinate

Note: Nighttime urination can also be a sign of other medical conditions. See your doctor if it persists.

The Prostate and Surrounding Structures

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Other common symptoms include:

• Intermittency—urine flow stops and starts during urination
• Hesitancy—having the urge to urinate, but need to wait until the flow actually starts
• Weak stream—urine that trickles out rather than flows strongly
• Straining—having to push or strain in order to urinate
• Incontinence—leakage of urine, unable to stop flow of urine when needed
• Hard time starting to urinate
• Dribbling at end of urination
• Deep discomfort in the lower belly

Backed-up urine may increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). BPH may increase the risk of frequent or chronic infections.

Elderly men with dementia may be at risk for a sudden complete blockage of urine flow. It can cause the bladder to stretch and cause lower abdomen to swell. This is the sign of an emergency.