1. Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Pictures Slideshow
2. Embarrassing Male Body Problems
3. Take the Enlarged Prostate Quiz!

Medical Author:

Glenn S. Gerber, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

If you experience fever/chills or nausea/vomiting, or if the prostate enlargement condition worsens and symptoms such as blood in the urine or lower back pain are present, consult a doctor immediately. If you cannot reach your doctor when these symptoms are present, seek evaluation at a hospital's emergency department.

For acute symptoms such as acute urinary retention (you cannot urinate), you should immediately go to the closest emergency medical facility.

Men over 50 years of age should have their prostate checked annually by their physician even if they have no symptoms.

Must Read Articles Related to Enlarged Prostate

Prostate Cancer Age, race, family history, infection with STDs, high-fat diet, and chemical exposure are risk factors for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer often has no symptoms...learn more >>

See the Entire Enlarged Prostate Topic Guide »