One of the complications that arise due to prostate enlargement is kidney disease. Bladder infections can reach the kidney and damage the kidneys as well. The pressure that is exerted in the bladder by the enlarged prostate can damage the kidneys that are located nearby. Obstruction of kidneys, known as hydronephrosis, can lead to serious and life threatening damage to the kidneys.

Weak urine stream is one of the most common problems faced by men with prostate problems. Urine flow will be very weak without much pressure and men will have to strain a lot while urinating if the prostate is very big. There would be dribbling of urine towards the end and most often, urine will not be emptied completely from the bladder, leading to other problems like urinary tract infections and bladder stones. Prostate enlargement can sometimes lead to complete stoppage of urine flow which requires urgent attention.

Enlarged prostate can lead to urinary incontinence as the enlarged gland presses against the bladder causing difficulty in retaining the urine in the bladder. Frequent and urgent urination and inability to contain urine for a long time are symptoms that can cause a lot of distress in the patient.

When there is prostate enlargement, the weak flow of urine and inability to empty the bladder completely will lead to bacterial action inside the bladder, thereby increasing the chances of urinary tract infections. Recurrent urinary tract infections along with weak and frequent urination could be due to an enlarged prostate. Symptoms of urinary tract infections include pain and burning sensation while urinating, increased and frequent urination, lower back and lower abdominal pain etc.

Bladder stones are the result of crystallization of urine that is very concentrated in nature. Prostate enlargement can cause slow and weak flow of urine which will lead to increased concentration of urine and development of bladder stones which can be very painful and block the flow of urine further. Bladder stones can also be formed when other foreign objects block the urinary tract, and must not be taken as a sure sign of prostate enlargement.

Prostate enlargement puts a certain amount of pressure in the nearby areas like lower back, lower abdomen, upper thighs and hip. If there is persistent pain in these areas along with other symptoms, ensure that you check with your doctor to rule out prostate enlargement that is serious like prostate cancer.

Presence of blood in urine and semen can be due to an infection of the reproductive organ. However, it can also be due to an enlarged prostate and hence must be taken seriously. Blood in urine and semen may not be present in all men with prostate problems. It is also not an indication of the severity of the problem. At times, even a slight enlargement of the prostate can lead to severe symptoms and more severe cases may not present any symptoms at all.

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to attain and retain an erection. Men with enlarged prostate will have difficulty in attaining an erection due to the reduced production of fluid in the prostate gland which helps in carrying the sperm at the time of ejaculation. Prostate enlargement will also reduce the flow of blood to the penis, thereby leading to inability in retaining an erection.

Most prostate problems become noticeable when men face urinary problems. Difficulty in urination is one of the most common symptoms of prostate enlargement. The enlarged prostate presses against the bladder making it difficult for the urine to pass through the urinary tract. Men will have a slow or delayed start while urinating along with pain and burning sensation. Urine flow can stop and start and the urgency and frequency of urination will be greatly increased, especially at night.