Problems with the prostate gland become more common as men age. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine away from the bladder. In a common problem, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the prostate enlarges and presses against the urethra.

BPH isn’t cancer and doesn’t cause it. However, some symptoms of BPH can mimic those of prostate cancer or an infection called prostatitis. So talk with your doctor if you have any of these BPH symptoms:

• A frequent need to urinate, especially at night
• Difficulty urinating or stopping the flow of urine
• Sudden or urgent urination
• Dripping after urinating
• A decrease in urine flow

If your symptoms are mild, try drinking fewer fluids in the evening. And urinate often. You can also talk with your doctor about substitutes for medicines such as cold and cough medications or blood pressure drugs that may worsen symptoms.

If your symptoms are more severe, treatments are available.