An enlarged prostate — known medically as benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — is one of the most common reasons men develop urinary problems as they get older. It is not cancer, and in most men it is very treatable. Dr. Anish Gupta offers the full range of care in Delhi NCR, from simple medication to advanced minimally-invasive laser surgery.
What is an enlarged prostate (BPH)?
The prostate is a small gland that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra — the tube that carries urine out of the body. From around the age of 50, the prostate naturally grows. As it enlarges, it can press on the urethra and restrict the flow of urine, which leads to the bothersome bladder symptoms most men notice.
It is important to know that BPH is benign — it is not prostate cancer and does not turn into cancer. The two conditions are separate, although they can exist at the same time, which is why a proper assessment matters.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate
Symptoms usually come on slowly over months or years. Common signs include:
- A weak, slow or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty starting to urinate (hesitancy)
- A feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night (nocturia)
- A sudden or urgent need to urinate
- Dribbling at the end of urination
If the bladder cannot empty at all, this is called acute urinary retention — a painful inability to pass urine that needs urgent medical attention.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is not fully understood, but the natural changes of ageing and the balance of male hormones both play a part. You are more likely to develop an enlarged prostate if you:
- Are over the age of 50
- Have a family history of prostate problems
- Are overweight, or have diabetes or heart disease
- Are physically inactive
When to see a urologist
See a urologist if urinary symptoms are affecting your sleep, work or quality of life — or sooner if you notice blood in your urine, pain, repeated urine infections, or you cannot pass urine at all. Early assessment prevents complications such as bladder damage, stones and kidney problems.
How an enlarged prostate is diagnosed
Diagnosis is straightforward and starts with a discussion of your symptoms and general health. Dr. Anish Gupta may then advise:
- A digital rectal examination to assess the size of the prostate
- A urine test to check for infection or blood
- A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, which also helps rule out prostate cancer
- A urine flow test and an ultrasound scan to measure how well the bladder empties
Treatment options for an enlarged prostate
Treatment is matched to how much your symptoms are affecting you. Not every man needs surgery — many do very well with lifestyle changes or medication.
Lifestyle and self-care
For mild symptoms, simple measures often help: cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, not drinking large amounts in the evening, and "double voiding" (waiting a moment and trying again to empty the bladder more fully).
Medication
Alpha-blockers relax the muscle around the prostate to improve flow, while 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can gradually shrink the gland. These are often the first step for moderate symptoms.
Minimally-invasive laser surgery
When symptoms are troublesome or medication is no longer enough, modern laser prostate surgery such as HoLEP offers excellent, long-lasting relief with less bleeding and a faster recovery than traditional surgery. Most men go home quickly and return to normal life within a couple of weeks.
When surgery is advised
Surgery is recommended when there are complications — repeated retention, bladder stones, recurrent infections, blood in the urine or kidney strain — or when symptoms simply are not controlled by other measures. You can read more in our complete enlarged prostate treatment guide.
Why choose Dr. Anish Gupta
Dr. Anish Gupta is a Consultant Urologist & Andrologist with over 20 years of experience and a special interest in endo-urology and laser prostate surgery. He offers honest, patient-first advice — if you don't need a procedure, you'll be told so — across three convenient locations in Delhi NCR.
Frequently asked questions
Is an enlarged prostate the same as prostate cancer?
No. An enlarged prostate (BPH) is a benign, non-cancerous condition and does not turn into cancer. However, both can occur in the same man, so a PSA test and examination are used to check the prostate properly.
Will an enlarged prostate affect my sex life?
BPH itself does not usually cause erectile dysfunction, and treatment aims to preserve sexual function. Some medications and procedures can affect ejaculation, which Dr. Anish Gupta will discuss with you clearly before any treatment.
Do I definitely need surgery for an enlarged prostate?
Not necessarily. Many men manage well with lifestyle changes or medication. Surgery is advised mainly when symptoms are severe or complications develop. The right option depends on your symptoms and how much they bother you.
How quickly do I recover after laser prostate surgery?
Recovery after minimally-invasive laser surgery such as HoLEP is generally quick. Most men have a short hospital stay and return to their normal routine within one to two weeks, avoiding heavy lifting for a little longer.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs — and if the honest answer is that you don't need a procedure, you'll hear that too.