What Increases Your Risk

Men who are older than 50 have a higher risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The hormone testosterone, which is produced mainly by the testicles, is necessary in order for BPH to develop. Men who have their testicles removed before puberty never develop BPH. Men who have their testicles removed after puberty (but before they have symptoms of BPH) rarely develop BPH.

A family history of BPH may increase your risk for needing treatment for this condition, especially if a relative needed treatment before age 60.

A vasectomy does not increase your risk of BPH.

When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if:

• You are completely unable to urinate.
• Urination is painful and you have a fever over 100°F (37.8°C), chills, or body aches.
• You have pain in the lower back, just below your rib cage (flank pain), that is not related to an injury or physical effort.
• There is blood or pus in your urine or semen.

Call your doctor if you have painful urination and any of the following signs of a possible urinary tract infection or prostate infection that last longer than 24 hours:

• A burning sensation while urinating
• Painful ejaculation
• Problems controlling your urination during the day or at night

Call your doctor if you have urination problems that have developed over a few weeks or a few months and are frequent.

Watchful Waiting

If urinary symptoms are minor and not bothersome, and you do not have prostate cancer or a prostate infection, it may be appropriate to try watchful waiting or home treatment. Call a doctor if you have any of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or if your symptoms change or get worse.

Who To See

Mild and moderate urinary symptoms that are caused by BPH can be evaluated and treated by any of the following health professionals:

• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Family medicine doctor
• Internist
• Urologist

If the symptoms are severe or if surgical treatment is being considered, you probably need to see a urologist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.