Can BPH Cause Urinary Retention? Warning Signs to Watch For
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Urinary symptoms that keep getting worse are not something to be pushed aside or ignored. For example, BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common cause of urinary retention in men. Recognizing the symptoms of prostate problems early can make treatment easier and more straightforward.
At Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Ali Kasraeian, a fellowship-trained and board-certified urologist, and Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian, a nationally recognized board-certified urologist, can provide a clear BPH diagnosis and comprehensive care. If you have questions about BPH or would like to schedule a prostate exam, call now.
What is urinary retention?
So, what is urinary retention? It occurs when the bladder cannot fully empty after urinating. Symptoms of prostate problems that point to retention include trouble urinating, a weak or inconsistent stream, frequent urination, especially at night, and the persistent feeling that the bladder is still full. In more severe cases, urination becomes almost impossible and requires immediate care. BPH is one of the most common reasons for this to occur because an enlarged prostate presses on the urethra and restricts the flow of urine.
Why the prostate can enlarge over time
The prostate sits just beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body. As men age, the prostate naturally grows larger, and that growth can compress the urethra and slow urinary flow. This is benign prostatic hyperplasia. Age and hormonal changes are the biggest contributors to BPH, though family history and lifestyle can also play a role.
To be clear, BPH is not cancer, and having it does not raise your risk of cancer. However, any trouble urinating is worth addressing with a medical professional. A consultation is one of the best ways to determine what is causing your urinary retention.
The BPH evaluation process
During a consultation in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Kasraeian will review your health history and current symptoms in detail. A urine test is typically the starting point, followed by a PSA blood test to check prostate-specific antigen levels.
A prostate exam, which may include a digital rectal exam, helps assess the size and condition of the gland. From there, additional testing, such as a urine flow study, may be used to get a clearer picture of how well the bladder is emptying. A BPH diagnosis is based on the results of these tests, and our team can walk you through each finding and what it means for your next steps.
Treatment options after a BPH diagnosis
Kasraeian Urology offers minimally invasive treatments that address the root cause of BPH rather than just managing symptoms:
- UroLift: A one-time in-office procedure that uses small implants to hold the urethra open and restore normal urine flow.
- AquaBeam Aquablation: A robotic procedure that uses heat-free water pulses to precisely remove enlarged prostate tissue with minimal impact on the surrounding structures.
Both options are designed for men looking to move past trouble urinating without the recovery time of traditional surgery.
Take the next step toward relief
Do you have questions such as, "What is urinary retention?" or are you dealing with trouble urinating and other symptoms of prostate problems? Living with BPH symptoms does not have to be your normal. At Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Ali Kasraeian, a fellowship-trained and board-certified urologist, and Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian, a nationally recognized board-certified urologist, are committed to helping every patient find lasting relief. Call today to schedule your prostate exam.