Signs of an enlarged prostate: when it’s time to see a specialist
If you’re waking up several times a night to urinate or constantly searching for the nearest restroom, you may be experiencing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — commonly known as an enlarged prostate.
BPH affects millions of men as they age and is one of the leading causes of urinary problems in men over 50. While it is not prostate cancer, it can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated.
The good news? Today there are effective, minimally invasive treatments that can relieve symptoms without major surgery — and most preserve sexual function.
What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
The prostate surrounds the urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder. As the prostate grows, it can squeeze the urethra, making it harder for urine to flow normally. This causes a variety of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
Nine symptoms to watch for
You may have an enlarged prostate if you experience any combination of the following symptoms:
Frequent urination
Needing to urinate more often than normal, especially during the day.
Waking at night (Nocturia)
Getting up two or more times each night is one of the most common symptoms.
Weak urine stream
A slower or weaker stream than you used to have.
Difficulty starting
Standing at the toilet waiting for your urine stream to begin.
Incomplete emptying
Many men finish urinating but still feel like there is urine remaining.
Starting & stopping
The stream may stop unexpectedly and require straining to restart.
Urgency
A sudden, difficult-to-control need to urinate.
Post-void dribbling
Leaking urine after you think you’ve finished.
Urinary retention
Complete blockage of urine flow — requires emergency treatment.
Don’t dismiss it as “just getting older”
Many men assume urinary symptoms are simply a normal part of aging. While BPH becomes more common with age, you should schedule an evaluation if your symptoms:
- Wake you up at night
- Affect your work or travel
- Cause embarrassment
- Limit your social activities
- Lead to urinary tract infections
- Cause blood in the urine
- Make it difficult to empty your bladder
- Progressively worsen over time
How is BPH diagnosed?
At Prestige Medical Group, your evaluation is thorough and personalized. Your appointment may include:
Every treatment plan is personalized based on your symptoms, prostate size, anatomy, and overall health.
Advanced, minimally invasive care
Some men improve with medication, while others benefit from minimally invasive procedures that provide longer-lasting relief. At Prestige, we offer two advanced options — plus surgical alternatives when indicated.
Rezūm™
Rezūm is a minimally invasive procedure that uses the natural energy stored in water vapor (steam) to shrink enlarged prostate tissue. It’s performed in-office and preserves sexual function in most men.
- No surgical incisions
- Outpatient procedure
- Preserves sexual function in most men
- Low risk of erectile dysfunction
- Short recovery time
- Long-lasting symptom improvement
- Can reduce or eliminate BPH medications
PAE
PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist using a tiny catheter placed through an artery. Small particles reduce blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink over time — with no tissue removal and no incision.
- No surgical incision
- No prostate tissue removal
- Outpatient procedure
- Minimal downtime
- Effective for larger prostates
- Reduced risk of sexual side effects
- Significant symptom improvement
Which treatment is right for you?
There is no single best treatment for every man. The ideal option depends on factors such as:
Our specialists work closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment plan — including additional options like Aquablation, UroLift, and surgical alternatives when indicated.
How we help men find lasting relief
At Prestige Medical Group in Tustin, California, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for men experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Our goal is to help you:
- Sleep through the night
- Reduce frequent bathroom trips
- Improve bladder emptying
- Restore confidence during travel
- Find long-lasting relief
- Preserve sexual function
We take time to educate every patient about all available options so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Tustin, CA 92780
BPH questions answered
What are the first signs of an enlarged prostate?
Can BPH go away on its own?
Is BPH the same as prostate cancer?
Is Rezūm better than medication?
Who is a candidate for PAE?
Ready to take the first step?
If you’re experiencing frequent urination, a weak stream, nighttime bathroom trips, or other symptoms of an enlarged prostate — don’t wait. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine whether Rezūm™, PAE, or another treatment may be right for you.
