Is an enlarged prostate serious?

BPH is not cancer and is not usually life-threatening, but it can get worse and cause infections, retention and, rarely, kidney problems. It is best checked and treated early.

Does an enlarged prostate lead to prostate cancer?

They are different conditions. Men with BPH are diagnosed with prostate cancer more often in studies, but that shows a link and not a cause. Always get a PSA test and an examination.

Does an enlarged prostate go away on its own?

It usually does not. BPH tends to stay or slowly progress, and in a long trial a meaningful share of men got worse over 4.5 years.

Where can I get treatment in Hyderabad?

Dr. Nagateja Bonala sees men with enlarged prostate at Clinic Seven and explains every option, including treatment without cutting. Bring your PSA, ultrasound and medicines list.

Patient guide

Is an enlarged prostate dangerous? Can it turn into cancer or damage the kidneys?

Is an enlarged prostate dangerous? BPH is not cancer, but it can get worse and cause problems if ignored. What studies show about progression, cancer and the kidneys, when to see a doctor, and treatment options in Hyderabad.

6 min readUpdated 11 Oct 2026Reviewed by Dr. Nagateja Bonala

An enlarged prostate: what is true

BPH is not cancerBut the two can exist together, so get checked
It can get worseSome men progress over the years
Treatment lowers the riskTablets cut progression by a third to two thirds

Is an enlarged prostate dangerous?

On its own, BPH is not life-threatening. It is not cancer. But it is not always harmless either. In some men the prostate squeezes the urine pipe so much that the bladder cannot empty properly. That can lead to infections, bladder stones, and in the worst cases a blocked bladder that needs a catheter, or damage to the kidneys.

Does BPH get worse over time?

It can. A large trial followed 3,047 men for an average of 4.5 years. Doctors counted a man as having "clinical progression" if he had any one of these: symptoms getting worse by at least 4 points, sudden inability to pass urine, urine leakage, kidney problems, or repeated urine infections ^[1].

Taking tablets reduced that risk. Compared with a dummy tablet, the risk of progression was lower by 39% with doxazosin (an alpha-blocker), by 34% with finasteride, and by 66% with both together. The risk of sudden urine retention, and of needing a procedure, was also lower with finasteride and with the combination ^[1]. This is one reason to see a doctor early.

Can an enlarged prostate turn into cancer?

BPH and prostate cancer are different conditions. BPH does not simply "turn into" cancer. But the two can exist in the same man, and they cause similar symptoms.

A review of 26 studies found that men with BPH were diagnosed with prostate cancer more often than other men. The studies were observational, so they show a link and cannot show a cause ^[2]. Men with BPH also get checked more often, which may play a part. The practical lesson is clear: never assume that urine symptoms are "just BPH". Get a PSA test and an examination.

Can an enlarged prostate cause kidney failure?

It is uncommon, but it is a recognised risk. Kidney problems are one of the outcomes doctors track in men with BPH ^[1]. When the bladder cannot empty for a long time, urine can back up towards the kidneys. This is why a weak stream, a feeling of not emptying, or a catheter should never be ignored.

When should I get treatment?

See a doctor if symptoms disturb your sleep or daily life, or if they are getting worse. Get help straight away if you cannot pass urine, see blood in your urine, or have fever with burning. Tablets are the usual first treatment. If they do not help enough, or you want to avoid surgery, procedures are available, including prostate artery embolization (PAE), which works without cutting.

Frequently asked questions

Is an enlarged prostate serious?: BPH is not cancer and is not usually life-threatening, but it can get worse and cause infections, retention and, rarely, kidney problems. It is best checked and treated early.
Does an enlarged prostate lead to prostate cancer?: They are different conditions. Men with BPH are diagnosed with prostate cancer more often in studies, but that shows a link and not a cause ^[2]. Always get a PSA test and an examination.
Can an enlarged prostate cause kidney failure?: It is uncommon, but kidney problems are a recognised outcome when BPH goes untreated ^[1]. Do not ignore a weak stream or a feeling that your bladder is never empty.
Does an enlarged prostate go away on its own?: It usually does not. BPH tends to stay or slowly progress, and in a long trial a meaningful share of men got worse over 4.5 years ^[1].
Where can I get treatment in Hyderabad?: Dr. Nagateja Bonala sees men with enlarged prostate at Clinic Seven and explains every option, including treatment without cutting. Bring your PSA, ultrasound and medicines list.

Check your prostate symptom score

Question 1 of 8Emptying

Over the past month, how often have you felt that your bladder was not completely empty after you finished passing urine?

Think about the last month. There are no right or wrong answers.

Takes about 2 minutes

References

McConnell JD, et al. The long-term effect of doxazosin, finasteride, and combination therapy on the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia. N Engl J Med. 2003. Read the source
Dai X, et al. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and the Risk of Prostate Cancer and Bladder Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016. Read the source

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