Waking up several times at night to urinate? You’re not alone. This common issue—especially in men over the age of 50—is often linked to a condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). While it’s not cancerous, BPH can significantly impact your quality of life by interrupting your sleep and daily routine.

In this article, we’ll explore what BPH is, why it causes frequent nighttime urination (nocturia), and how it can be effectively managed.

Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder in men, surrounding the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). As men age, the prostate gland can gradually enlarge—a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

This growth is non-cancerous, but it can press against the urethra and block or slow the flow of urine. As the bladder works harder to push urine through the narrowed passage, various urinary symptoms begin to appear.

Why BPH Causes Nighttime Urination

One of the most troubling symptoms of BPH is nocturia, or waking up multiple times at night to urinate. But why does this happen?

1. Reduced Bladder Capacity- As the prostate enlarges, it can irritate or partially block the bladder, reducing its effective storage capacity.
2. Incomplete Emptying- BPH often prevents the bladder from emptying completely, so urine builds up more quickly and sends signals to void again—especially when lying down.
3. Hormonal Changes-  Aging-related hormonal shifts may also play a role in increased nighttime urine production.
4. Increased Sensitivity- The bladder becomes more sensitive over time, prompting more frequent urges, even if it’s not full.

Nocturia is more than just an inconvenience—it disrupts your sleep, affects energy levels, and can impair concentration, mood, and productivity during the day.

Other Common Symptoms of BPH

In addition to frequent urination at night, BPH can cause a variety of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including:

• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Straining to begin urination
• A feeling that the bladder hasn’t fully emptied
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Frequent urge to urinate during the day
• Sudden or uncontrollable urge to urinate
• Urinary retention (in severe cases)

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may gradually worsen over time if left untreated.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you’re waking up more than once or twice a night to urinate or experiencing other bothersome urinary symptoms, it’s time to talk to a urologist. BPH is common, but it shouldn’t be ignored—especially since it can lead to complications such as:

• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bladder stones
• Kidney damage
• Urinary retention requiring catheterization

Diagnosing BPH

Dr. Rohit Purwar and other urology specialists use a combination of the following tools to diagnose BPH:

• Medical history and symptom assessment
• Digital rectal exam (DRE) to check prostate size
• Urine tests to rule out infection
• Blood tests including PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
• Ultrasound or bladder scan to check for residual urine
• Uroflowmetry to measure urine stream speed
• Cystoscopy (in selected cases)

Managing and Treating BPH

The good news? BPH is manageable, and a range of treatments are available depending on the severity of your symptoms.

1. Lifestyle Modifications- For mild symptoms, simple changes can help:

• Limit caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening
• Avoid drinking fluids 2–3 hours before bedtime
• Empty your bladder completely before sleeping
• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
• Avoid medications that worsen symptoms (like some antihistamines)

2. Medications

• Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin): Relax muscles in the bladder and prostate to ease urination
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride): Shrink the prostate over time
• Combination therapy is often used when symptoms are moderate to severe

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures

If medications don’t help or cause side effects, these in-clinic treatments may be recommended:

• UroLift® system: Implants to hold the prostate away from the urethra
• Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT)
• Water vapor therapy (Rezum™)

4. Surgery

For severe cases:

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is the gold standard
• Laser therapies like HoLEP offer faster recovery with less bleeding
• Open prostatectomy (rare, for very large prostates)

Living Better With BPH

Living with BPH doesn’t mean resigning yourself to interrupted sleep or daily discomfort. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can take control of your urinary symptoms and restore your quality of life.

Don’t normalize waking up multiple times a night—it’s not just part of getting older; it’s a sign your body needs attention.

Consult Dr. Rohit Purwar for Expert BPH Care

Concerned about frequent nighttime urination or other prostate symptoms? Dr. Rohit Purwar, an experienced urologist, specializes in diagnosing and treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia using the latest evidence-based therapies. Whether you need medications, lifestyle advice, or advanced procedures, Dr. Purwar provides personalized care focused on your comfort and long-term health.

Don’t let BPH keep interrupting your life. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Rohit Purwar today and take the first step toward uninterrupted nights and better bladder health.