The prostate is a gland located just below the bladder in men, surrounding the top portion of the urethra, or the tube that drains urine from the bladder. The prostate's primary function is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Most men have continued prostate growth throughout their lifetime. As men get older, this continued growth enlarges the prostate enough to cause urinary symptoms, including a significant block in the flow of urine.

Prostate gland enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, and can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

There are several effective treatments for BPH, including medications, minimally invasive therapies, and surgery. Dr. Joe Wiser will consider your symptoms, the size of your prostate, other health conditions you might have and your preferences to help you choose the best treatment option for you.

The severity of BPH symptoms vary, but tend to gradually worsen over time. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Inability to completely empty the bladder

Some less common signs and symptoms of BPH include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Inability to urinate
• Blood in the urine