A question that worries many men: is an enlarged prostate dangerous? The short answer is that benign enlargement is not cancer and does not turn into cancer, and most men live with it without serious problems. Ignoring it can lead to complications that need treatment, and some signs mean you need emergency care.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed:
Possible complications
| Complication | What happens | Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Acute urinary retention | A sudden blockage so you cannot pass urine | Unable to pass urine, with pain and swelling in the lower abdomen |
| Chronic urinary retention | A large amount of urine stays in the bladder after each void | Constant dribbling, night-time urination, sometimes painless |
| Repeated urinary infections | Residual urine helps bacteria grow | Burning, smell, fever |
| Bladder stones | Form in stagnant urine | Pain, sudden interruption of the stream, blood in urine |
| Bleeding from the prostate | From blood vessels on the surface of a large prostate | Blood in urine |
| Kidney effects | Back-pressure from the bladder to the kidneys in severe obstruction | Often no symptoms at first; found by blood test or ultrasound |
When to go to the emergency department
- You cannot pass urine at all, especially with lower abdominal pain.
- Fever and shivering with burning or difficult urination.
- Heavy bleeding in the urine or clots that block urination.
- Passing very little urine with swelling, tiredness or vomiting.
What raises the risk of retention?
- Holding urine for long periods.
- Drinking a lot of fluid or alcohol in a short time.
- Some cold and allergy medicines containing antihistamines or decongestants, and some antidepressants.
- Severe constipation.
- After surgery and anaesthesia.
If you know you have an enlarged prostate, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking cold remedies.
How to prevent complications
- Do not ignore symptoms that get worse over time.
- Take your prescribed medicine and attend follow-up.
- Ask your doctor about a residual urine scan and kidney tests when needed.
- Discuss surgery if complications recur. Read prostate surgery types.
Do not assume blood in the urine comes from the prostate without tests. Read about blood in urine.
Related topics
Frequently asked questions
Is an enlarged prostate dangerous?
Benign enlargement is not cancer, and most men live with it without serious complications given follow-up and suitable treatment. Left alone, it can cause complications such as urinary retention or kidney effects.
Can an enlarged prostate affect the kidneys?
In a small number of cases, severe long-standing obstruction raises pressure in the bladder and then the kidneys, affecting their function. This is why the doctor checks kidney function or an ultrasound when it is suspected.
Is blood in the urine a sign of enlargement?
Enlargement can bleed, but blood in the urine always needs investigation to rule out other causes such as stones and tumours, even in a man known to have an enlarged prostate.
What should I do if I cannot pass urine?
Go to the emergency department straight away. Acute retention is painful and needs the bladder emptied with a catheter; the doctor then finds and treats the cause.
Can an enlarged prostate be fatal?
Benign enlargement itself is rarely life-threatening. Serious complications such as kidney failure or severe infection are uncommon and are usually prevented with follow-up and early treatment.
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Book a consultation
Prof. Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa assess enlarged prostate symptoms and complications at Prof. Al-Samarrai Medical Center, Dubai Healthcare City, and discuss the options that suit your case. Medical consultations are confidential.
This information is for health education and does not replace a medical examination. See our medical content policy.