Medically reviewed by Dr. Griffin M, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Urology). Specialist in Urology, Andrology & Kidney Transplant Surgery | Last reviewed: September 2026
An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that becomes more likely as men get older. The symptoms often develop gradually, making them easy to overlook or dismiss as a normal part of aging. Frequent urination, especially at night, a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, or a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely can affect everyday comfort and sleep. These symptoms should not be ignored. Consulting the best enlarged prostate doctor in Chennai can help identify the cause of urinary problems and determine the most suitable treatment, whether it involves lifestyle changes, medication, or an appropriate surgical procedure.
What is an Enlarged Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland, roughly the size of a walnut, sitting just below the bladder in men. Its main role is producing fluid that helps carry sperm. As men age, the gland tends to keep growing, and when it grows enough to press on the urethra, the tube carrying urine out of the body, it becomes harder to pass urine comfortably.
The medical term for this condition is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH. The word benign means the growth is not cancerous, which is reassuring, but BPH left unmanaged can still interfere significantly with daily life and, in more advanced cases, affect kidney health.

Causes and Risk Factors
No single cause fully explains BPH, but several factors are known to raise the risk:
- Age: BPH becomes markedly more common after 50, and by the 60s and 70s, most men show some degree of prostate enlargement. Research suggests roughly half of men over 50 are affected, with that figure climbing toward 80 percent by age 80.
- Hormonal shifts: Changing hormone levels with age appear to drive much of the gland’s continued growth, though researchers are still refining exactly how these shifts trigger cell proliferation in the prostate.
- Family history: Men with a father or brother who had BPH face a higher likelihood of developing it themselves, suggesting a genetic component alongside age and hormones.
- Lifestyle factors: Excess weight, low physical activity, and conditions such as diabetes are linked to a higher risk of prostate enlargement, making general metabolic health relevant to prostate health as well.
Common Symptoms
BPH symptoms usually develop gradually, which is why many men overlook them at first or assume they are simply a normal part of getting older. Common signs include:
- Needing to urinate frequently, especially at night
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination even when the urge is strong
- A sense that the bladder never fully empties
- Dribbling after urination seems finished
- A sudden, urgent need to urinate that is hard to control
- In more advanced cases, recurring infections or a sudden inability to pass urine at all
Because these symptoms build slowly, many men wait far longer than they should before seeking help, sometimes only after the condition begins to noticeably affect sleep, work, or daily comfort.
Why Choose the Best Enlarged Prostate Doctor in Chennai?
Not every urologist manages BPH the same way, and the difference shows up in outcomes. Here is what distinguishes an experienced specialist:
- Accurate diagnosis: A thorough urologist reviews your history, examines you carefully, and orders the right tests rather than guessing at the cause of your symptoms.
- A personalised plan: Some men need only a change in habits and medication, while others require a procedure. The right doctor tailors the plan to the individual case.
- Skill with laser and minimally invasive techniques: Modern options such as Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate offer less bleeding and quicker recovery, but only when performed by a surgeon genuinely experienced with the technique.
- Continued care after treatment: Good follow-up ensures healing progresses well and urine flow keeps improving after the initial procedure or medication starts working.
Conditions Treated
A specialist treating enlarged prostate typically manages a broader set of related conditions, including:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
- Urinary Retention: Difficulty fully or partially emptying the bladder.
- Bladder Outlet Obstruction: A blockage where the bladder meets the urethra, often caused by prostate enlargement.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Repeated infections that often stem from incomplete bladder emptying.
- Prostate Stones: Small hardened deposits that can form within the gland over time.
- Related Urinary Symptoms: Weak stream, frequent urination, and nighttime waking to urinate.
Treatment Options for Enlarged Prostate
BPH does not have one fixed treatment. Doctors select from several options based on symptom severity, overall health, and patient preference:
- Lifestyle Modifications: For mild symptoms, reducing evening fluid intake, cutting caffeine and alcohol, staying active, and avoiding certain cold medications can noticeably ease daily discomfort.
- Medications: When lifestyle changes are not enough, medicines that relax the muscles around the bladder and prostate, or others that gradually shrink the gland, help many men avoid surgery entirely.
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): A long-standing surgical standard where a surgeon passes a scope through the urethra to remove excess prostate tissue without external incisions.
- Laser Prostate Surgery: Generally associated with less bleeding, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery than traditional surgery, with the specific technique chosen based on prostate size.
- Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP): One of the most advanced options available, particularly suited to very large prostates that might otherwise need open surgery, with a low rate of needing repeat treatment.
- Robotic and Open Prostate Surgery: Reserved for very large prostates or additional complications, these remain safe and effective when performed by an experienced surgical team. If a biopsy reveals cancer rather than benign enlargement, the care pathway shifts to a specialist in prostate cancer surgery.
Benefits of Early Enlarged Prostate Treatment
Delaying treatment might feel like the easier choice in the moment, but early action pays off in several ways:
- Better urine flow: Early treatment restores a stronger, steadier stream and reduces the frustrating stop-start pattern.
- Fewer complications: Catching BPH early lowers the risk of infections or stone formation later on.
- A healthier bladder: Treating the condition early prevents the bladder muscle from being overworked by constant straining, which over time can weaken the bladder’s ability to contract effectively.
- Protected kidney function: Untreated obstruction can eventually cause urine to back up and affect the kidneys; early treatment avoids this entirely.
- Better quality of life: Improved sleep and less anxiety about finding a bathroom make a meaningful daily difference, and many men report feeling noticeably more like themselves once symptoms are under control.
Diet and Lifestyle Habits That Support Prostate Health
While diet alone will not shrink an enlarged prostate, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms and support overall prostate health:
- Limit evening fluids: Reduce fluid intake two to three hours before bedtime to help decrease nighttime urination.
- Cut down on caffeine: Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks may irritate the bladder and increase urgency and frequency.
- Reduce alcohol: Alcohol can increase urine production and may worsen urinary symptoms.
- Stay physically active: Regular exercise supports healthy weight, circulation, and overall health, which may help reduce the risk of BPH-related problems.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can be associated with a higher risk of urinary symptoms and prostate problems.
- Watch spicy and processed foods: Some men find that spicy or highly processed foods worsen bladder symptoms. Identify and limit foods that trigger your symptoms.
- Avoid holding urine for long periods: Responding to the urge to urinate can help maintain healthy bladder habits.
- Follow medical advice: Lifestyle changes can improve symptom management but do not replace medical treatment when the prostate is significantly enlarged.
Meet Dr. Griffin M

Dr. Griffin M is a trusted urologist and prostate specialist in Chennai, offering both medical management and advanced surgical treatment for enlarged prostate based on each patient’s individual needs.
- MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Urology)
- Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Kidney Transplant Surgeon
- 16+ years of experience in urology, andrology, and urogynaecology
- Practices in Chennai at clinics in Egmore and Neelankarai, providing personalised care for prostate issues, kidney problems, and general urology
- Offers prostate surgery and other related procedures under one roof, so patients do not need to coordinate between multiple specialists
- His qualifications, clinical experience, and areas of expertise reflect his commitment to providing comprehensive urological care.
Our Enlarged Prostate Treatment Process
A thorough treatment process for BPH generally follows these steps:
- Initial Consultation: Understanding your symptoms and how they affect daily life.
- Medical History and Physical Examination: A review of health history along with a physical check, often including a simple rectal exam.
- Diagnostic Tests: An ultrasound, PSA blood test, urine test, and uroflow test to measure urine flow speed and strength.
- Personalised Treatment Planning: Building a plan around the individual case rather than a generic protocol.
- Medication or Surgical Treatment: Starting medicine or scheduling a procedure such as endourology techniques or urological endoscopy, depending on severity.
- Recovery and Follow-up Care: Regular check-ins to confirm healing is progressing and urine flow is improving.
Why Choose the Right Doctor for Enlarged Prostate Treatment?
The hospital behind your doctor matters as much as the doctor’s own experience. Consider looking for:
- Experienced urologists with years of medical and surgical BPH management.
- On-site diagnostics, including ultrasound, a uroflow test, and laboratory services.
- Access to laser and minimally invasive surgery through minimally invasive urology options, offering shorter recovery and lower risk.
- Patient-centred communication that explains options clearly without rushing decisions.
- Modern operation theatres equipped for advanced laser-based treatment.
- Comprehensive post-operative support, including care for related concerns such as urinary incontinence or urinary infection after surgery.
Patients with broader urology needs, such as kidney care or issues under general urology, often benefit from choosing a practice that manages everything together rather than coordinating between multiple specialists.
When Should You See a Doctor for an Enlarged Prostate?
If urinary symptoms are becoming frequent or interfering with daily life, it is time for an evaluation. You should see a doctor if you experience:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination
- A weak or slow urine stream
- A feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
- A sudden or urgent need to urinate
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Repeated urinary infections
- Trouble controlling urination
- Complete inability to pass urine, which is a medical emergency
An experienced urologist can identify the cause of these symptoms quickly and recommend the right course, whether medication, lifestyle change, or surgery, so treatment can begin before complications develop.
What Our Patients Say
Real experiences from patients who received expert prostate and urology care from Dr. Griffin.
My father was diagnosed with carcinoma prostate one and a half months ago and was referred to Dr. Griffin. During the first consultation, he explained everything in detail. Surgery was performed within five days exactly as discussed. The laser surgery was performed smoothly and successfully. We are extremely satisfied with the care, professionalism, and support provided by Dr. Griffin and his team. Thanks to his expertise, my father recovered well and returned to his normal routine. We highly recommend Dr. Griffin to anyone seeking expert and compassionate urology care.
Read More– Kaviya 1808
Verified Patient
Conclusion
An enlarged prostate is common, well understood, and highly treatable with the right care. Symptoms like frequent urination, a weak stream, or difficulty passing urine deserve prompt attention rather than being written off as a normal part of aging. Early diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your specific case can relieve symptoms, protect kidney health, and meaningfully improve daily quality of life. Consulting an experienced urologist in Chennai is the most direct path toward getting clear answers and the right next step.
Read More: Best Urologist in Neelankarai




