In Toronto, many men over 50 face a common but often overlooked health concern: BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. That’s the medical term for an enlarged prostate, and it affects nearly half of men in this age group.
While BPH isn’t cancer and doesn’t increase your risk of developing prostate cancer, it can cause disruptive symptoms that impact your daily life, your sleep, and even your long-term bladder health. The good news? It’s manageable — especially if caught early, and access to advanced care in Toronto is faster than many realize.
Let’s break down what BPH is, the signs to watch for, and when to seek care.
What Is BPH?
The prostate is a small gland that surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As the prostate grows (which it often does with age), it can press on the urethra and slow or block urine flow.
This can cause a variety of symptoms — some mild, others more frustrating or even alarming.
Common BPH Symptoms
Many men ignore early signs of BPH, thinking they’re just “part of getting older”. But left untreated, BPH can lead to complications like urinary tract infections, bladder damage, or even kidney issues in rare cases.
Here are the most common lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS):
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Sudden, strong urges to pee
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Feeling like your bladder is never fully empty
- Straining to urinate
- Urinary retention (inability to pee at all)
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to get it checked out — especially if it’s affecting your sleep, daily routine, or quality of life.
Is It Always BPH?
These symptoms don’t always point to BPH. They can also be caused by other conditions, including:
- Urethral stricture
- Bladder tumour
- Infection
- Bladder stone
When to See a Specialist
If you’re experiencing urinary changes, it’s important to confirm the cause before starting treatment. A previous BPH diagnosis from your family doctor or urologist is preferred, since these symptoms can sometimes be linked to other conditions.
At University Urology Associates in Toronto, we focus exclusively on advanced BPH care. Our team offers a full range of minimally invasive, outpatient procedures designed to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Important: Our clinic is not a walk-in. To begin, all patients must complete our secure pre-screening form so we can determine eligibility.
Start Here: Complete the Pre-Screening Form »
The Bottom Line
BPH is common — but that doesn’t mean you should just live with it. If you’ve noticed changes in your urination or sleep patterns, your first step is to see your family doctor or urologist. They can confirm whether your symptoms are truly caused by BPH and rule out other possible conditions.
If you already have a BPH diagnosis and want to explore options beyond medication or hospital-based surgery, University Urology Associates in Toronto can help. We offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments that aren’t available through the public system — with far shorter wait times.
Before booking, patients complete our secure pre-screening form. This helps us determine eligibility for treatment based on medical and administrative criteria.
Your prostate changes with age. The way you treat it should, too.