Waking up multiple times a night, constantly looking for the nearest restroom, or struggling with a weak urinary stream doesn't have to be your everyday normal.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, is a very common, non-cancerous condition affecting millions of aging men. As the prostate grows, it compresses the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder—causing bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

At UroPartners, our board-certified urologists across Chicagoland offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and a complete range of modern, personalized treatments to help you regain control, sleep through the night, and restore your daily quality of life.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The prostate produces the fluid that is expressed during ejaculation and is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate also surrounds the urethra which is the canal through which urine passes out of the bladder.

Recognizing the Symptoms of BPH

Prostate enlargement creates pressure on the urethra and irritates the bladder. You may experience:

• Frequent Nighttime Urination (Nocturia): Waking up multiple times throughout the night to use the bathroom.
• Urgency & Frequency: Sudden, overwhelming urges to urinate, sometimes as often as every 1–2 hours.
• Weak or Interrupted Stream: A slow urinary stream that stops and starts, or takes effort and straining to initiate.
• Incomplete Emptying: Feeling as though your bladder is still full even after you finish urinating.
• Dribbling & Leaking: Difficulty controlling the end of your urinary stream.

Important: If you suddenly find yourself completely unable to pass urine, this is a medical emergency known as acute urinary retention. Seek immediate medical attention.