When to See a Doctor About Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

01 June 2026

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As men age, conversations about health can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially when they involve personal topics like prostate health. Knowing the difference between a minor issue and a more serious condition is key to taking control of your health.

We speak to Irim Yasin, M.D., a board-certified physician in medical oncology and internal medicine at the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute, to learn more.

“Changes in urinary habits are often dismissed as a normal part of getting older,” Yasin says. “However, these changes can be important signals from your body that shouldn’t be ignored.”

Why you should pay attention to your prostate

The basics: The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Its primary function is to produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. As men get older, the prostate can grow larger. While this growth is often not concerning, it’s important to pay attention to any changes as they could be early signs of prostate problems, such as prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among American men.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
Early detection is crucial because when found early, prostate cancer is often curable.
Regular check-ups and discussions with your doctor about any symptoms are vital for early diagnosis.

How can you tell if your prostate is enlarged?

What to look for: An enlarged prostate can press on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This pressure can cause a variety of urinary symptoms. Noticing these signs and talking to a doctor can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Difficulty starting to urinate despite feeling the need to go
A frequent or urgent need to urinate, especially at night
Blood in your urine, which should always be checked by a doctor
New or worsening erectile dysfunction

Difficulty starting to urinate is a classic sign of an enlarged prostate. You might find yourself standing at the toilet for a while before the stream begins, or you might feel like you have to strain to get it started.

This happens because the enlarged prostate squeezes the urethra, restricting urine flow.
You may experience a weak or interrupted urine stream.
The feeling of not being able to fully empty your bladder is also common.
This symptom can be frustrating and may worsen over time if not addressed.

A frequent or urgent need to urinate can disrupt your daily life and sleep. The bladder has to work harder to push urine past the blockage caused by the enlarged prostate, which can make it more sensitive and trigger the need to go more often.

This can include waking up multiple times during the night, a condition called nocturia.
You might feel a sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to control.
This symptom can impact your quality of life, affecting work, social activities and sleep.
It’s a common complaint that leads many men to seek medical advice.

Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, is a symptom that should never be ignored. While it can be caused by less serious issues, it can also be a sign of prostate cancer or other significant problems in the urinary tract.

The urine may look pink, red or brown.
Even if you only see blood once, it is important to see a doctor.
Your doctor will likely order tests to determine the cause of the bleeding.
Prompt evaluation is essential to rule out serious conditions.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can sometimes be linked to an enlarged prostate. The relationship is complex and not fully understood, but both conditions are more common as men age.

ED involves difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
Sometimes the treatments for an enlarged prostate can affect sexual function.
Discussing ED with your doctor is important, as it can also be a sign of other health issues like heart disease.
There are effective treatments available for both ED and enlarged prostate symptoms.

Why is it important to catch prostate cancer early?

Why it matters: Early detection of prostate cancer dramatically increases the chances of a cure. When the cancer is confined to the prostate gland, there are more treatment options available, and the prognosis is generally very optimistic. Regular screenings and paying attention to symptoms are your best defense.

The 5-year survival rate for men with localized prostate cancer is close to 100%.
Screening can involve a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).
Discussing the pros and cons of screening with your doctor can help you make an informed decision.
If prostate cancer is found early, treatments like surgery and radiation are more effective.

What causes an enlarged prostate?

The details: An enlarged prostate can be caused by a few different conditions. It’s important for a doctor to determine the specific cause to ensure you receive the correct treatment. The two most common causes are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the prostate.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
Both conditions can cause similar urinary symptoms.
A medical evaluation is necessary to distinguish between them.

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. This malignant growth can cause the prostate to enlarge and lead to urinary symptoms as the tumor presses on the urethra.

It is a serious condition that requires medical diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms may not appear in the early stages, which is why screening is important.
Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiation or other therapies.
Early diagnosis provides the best opportunity for a cure.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a very common condition in older men. It is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that can cause significant urinary problems.

BPH is not life-threatening, but it can severely impact quality of life.
It is the most common cause of enlarged prostate symptoms.
Treatment can range from lifestyle changes and medication to minimally invasive procedures.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

What to expect: If your doctor suspects prostate cancer based on your symptoms or screening results, they will recommend further tests to make a diagnosis. The process typically involves several steps to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its extent.

A PSA blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. Elevated levels can indicate a problem. This can be performed yearly by your primary care doctor starting at age 45.
A physical exam, including a digital rectal exam (DRE), is often the first step.
If initial tests are concerning, your doctor may recommend an MRI or a prostate biopsy.
A biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken from the prostate, is the only way to definitively diagnose prostate cancer.

Find a doctor at INTEGRIS Health

Your next step: If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this article, it is time to take action. Don’t dismiss your concerns or wait for them to get worse. Scheduling an appointment with a health care provider is the most important step you can take.

This article was medically reviewed by Irim Yasin, M.D. Our health and wellness experts regularly review new research and update our articles to reflect the most current, evidence-based information.