Enlarged Prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia): what you need to know
What Is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small, muscular gland in the male reproductive system, about the size and shape of a walnut. It sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding the urethra—the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.
The prostate’s main function is to produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. Despite its small size, the prostate plays a big role in both fertility and urinary health.
How Does the Prostate Grow?
At birth, the prostate is tiny—but it begins growing rapidly during puberty, doubling in size by early adulthood. After that, growth tends to stabilize until around age 40, when a second phase of growth often begins.
By:
Age 60, about 50% of men have an enlarged prostate
Age 85, that number rises to 90%
This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—a non-cancerous enlargement that can still cause significant urinary problems. Researchers believe this growth is largely driven by male hormones, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which continues to act on prostate tissue as men age.
Over time, the gland can grow from the size of a walnut to that of a lemon—without being cancerous.
How Does an Enlarged Prostate Affect Urination?
Because the prostate wraps around the urethra, any enlargement can compress this tube and partially block urine flow. This leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which may include:
Difficulty starting urination
Weak or interrupted urine stream
Dribbling after finishing
A sensation that the bladder isn’t fully empty
Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
As the bladder works harder to overcome the blockage, it can become irritated and overactive. Urine left in the bladder increases the risk of:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Bladder stones
In rare cases, kidney damage
These symptoms can have a significant impact on sleep, daily comfort, and quality of life.
When to See a Doctor
You don’t need to wait until symptoms become severe. You should consult a healthcare provider if you notice:
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Frequent nighttime urination
A weak or slow urine stream
Pain during urination or ejaculation
Blood in the urine or semen
Early detection and management of BPH can help prevent complications and improve your day-to-day comfort. Treatments range from lifestyle adjustments and medications to minimally invasive procedures—many of which can dramatically reduce symptoms.
Your health doesn’t have to wait. With Bastion’s at-home prostate support tools and expert care—often covered by your employee benefits—you can take charge early, stay informed, and feel confident about your next steps.
