 [ Symptoms ] what are symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia bph [ Disease ] in benign prostatic hyperplasia bph the prostate gland grows in size it may compress the urethra which courses through the center of the prostate this can impede the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra to the outside it can cause urine to back up in the bladder retention leading to the need to urinate frequently during the day and night other common symptoms include a slow flow of urine the need to urinate urgently and difficulty starting the urinary stream more serious problems include urinary tract infections and complete blockage of the urethra which may be a medical emergency and can lead injury to the kidneys