Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Symptoms, Treatment Options & When to See a Urologist in Kolkata

Waking up three or four times a night to pass urine. A weak stream that takes a long time to start. The feeling that the bladder never fully empties.

Many men over 50 put these changes down to age and stay quiet about them. But in most cases, there is a common and treatable cause: an enlarged prostate, also called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

This guide from the urology team at BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital explains what BPH is, the symptoms to watch for, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options available in Kolkata today.

What Is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small gland in men, about the size of a walnut. It sits just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

As men age, the prostate naturally grows larger. When it grows enough to press on the urethra, it can slow or block the flow of urine. This is BPH.

Is an Enlarged Prostate the Same as Prostate Cancer?

No. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It does not turn into cancer.

However, some symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer can overlap, and both are more common as men get older. That is why it is important to see a urologist rather than self-diagnose.

Common Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• A weak or slow urine stream
• Difficulty starting to pass urine
• Stopping and starting while passing urine
• Dribbling at the end
• A sudden, strong urge to pass urine
• Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty

Symptoms often build up slowly over years, which is why many men get used to them.

When Is It an Emergency?

Go to a hospital immediately if you:

• Suddenly cannot pass urine at all, especially with lower belly pain
• See blood in your urine
• Have fever with burning or pain while passing urine
• Notice pain in your back or side with reduced urine output

BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital offers 24×7 emergency care. Call +91 82769 79994.

Who Is at Risk?

• Age: BPH becomes increasingly common after 50
• Family history of prostate problems
• Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease
• Being overweight and physically inactive

How Is BPH Diagnosed?

Your urologist will start by understanding your symptoms and how much they affect your daily life. Tests may include:

• Symptom score questionnaire (IPSS): a short questionnaire to measure how severe your symptoms are
• Physical examination, including a gentle check of the prostate
• Urine test to look for infection or blood
• PSA blood test to help rule out prostate cancer
• Ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder and prostate, including how much urine is left after passing urine
• Uroflowmetry, a simple test that measures the speed of your urine flow

Enlarged Prostate Treatment Options

Treatment depends on how much the symptoms bother you, the size of your prostate and your overall health.

1. Watchful waiting and lifestyle changes

For mild symptoms, simple changes can help a lot:

• Drink less fluid in the 2 hours before bedtime
• Cut down on tea, coffee and alcohol, especially in the evening
• Go to the toilet before long journeys and at regular times
• Review other medicines, such as some cold remedies, that can worsen symptoms
• Stay active and keep a healthy weight

2. Medicines

Most men with moderate symptoms do well on medicines. These may:

• Relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, which improves urine flow within days to weeks
• Shrink the prostate gradually over several months
• In some cases, a combination of both

3. Minimally invasive procedures and surgery

Surgery is usually advised when medicines do not help enough, or when there are complications like repeated urine blockage, bladder stones, repeated infections or effects on the kidneys.

Modern prostate procedures are performed through the urinary passage, without any cuts on the abdomen. Options include:

• TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): the most established surgery for BPH
• Laser prostate surgery: uses laser energy to remove or vaporise the blocking tissue, often with less bleeding
• Other minimally invasive procedures for selected patients

Your urologist will explain which option is right for you, and what to expect from recovery.

Living Well With an Enlarged Prostate

BPH is a long-term condition, but it does not have to control your life. Regular follow-up lets your urologist adjust treatment as needed and catch any problems early.

Do not let embarrassment keep you from getting help. Urinary symptoms are very common, and your urologist sees them every day.

Prostate Care at BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital

Urology care at BK Aditya is led by Prof. Dr. Sandeep Gupta (MBBS, MS, MCh Urology). We offer:

• Diagnosis and treatment of enlarged prostate, weak urine flow and urinary blockage
• Minimally invasive, laparoscopic and endoscopic urological surgery
• Kidney stone treatment and laser surgery
• Evaluation of prostate, kidney and bladder cancers
• Diagnostics under one roof
• 24×7 emergency care

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of an enlarged prostate?

The main factor is ageing, along with changes in male hormones over time. Family history, diabetes and obesity can also play a role.

Can an enlarged prostate be treated without surgery?

Yes. Most men with mild to moderate symptoms are treated successfully with lifestyle changes and medicines.

Does an enlarged prostate cause cancer?

No. BPH is not cancer and does not turn into cancer. But because the symptoms can overlap, a urologist should examine you.

Why do I wake up at night to urinate?

In men over 50, an enlarged prostate is one of the most common causes. Diabetes, heart conditions, some medicines and drinking fluids late in the evening can also cause it.

Which doctor should I see for prostate problems in Kolkata?

A urologist is the specialist for prostate problems. You can consult the urology team at BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital in Satgachi, Kolkata.

Get Your Comfort and Sleep Back

Frequent urination and a weak stream are not something you simply have to live with. A simple assessment can find the cause and the right treatment for you.

To book a consultation with our urology team, call +91 82769 79994 or visit BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital, 2nd Floor, Satgachi Rd, Notun Pally, Satgachi, Kamardanga, Kolkata 700074.

This article is for general information and does not replace a consultation with your doctor.