BPH vs. OAB: Symptoms, causes, treatments, and more
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome are distinct health conditions but may cause similar symptoms, such as urgent or frequent urination.
BPH is the noncancerous growth or enlargement of prostate tissues that causes urinary symptoms. OAB syndrome is a distinct, chronic condition that causes similar urinary symptoms.
Treatment strategies for both conditions may involve taking medications. Healthcare professionals may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as achieving or maintaining a moderate weight, to help manage a person’s symptoms.
The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.
A
BPH may also become more common as a person ages. Around 45% of males ages 45 years and older develop BPH. This rises to 80% prevalence in males ages 70 years and older.
A 2025 review suggests the global prevalence of OAB is around 20%. However, the review suggests this prevalence is slightly higher in women than in men.
OAB may also be more common in people with overweight or obesity or those older than 60 years of age.
Symptoms may vary from person to person. For example, not everyone with OAB will experience incontinence.
According to the
Research suggests various factors can contribute to OAB, including neurological factors or issues with a person’s bladder muscles.
According to the Urology Foundation, certain medications and lifestyle factors may also play a role, including:
To diagnose the cause of urinary symptoms, a doctor usually performs a physical exam and asks about a person’s symptoms and medical history. In some cases, they may need to order additional tests,
A doctor may also request that someone create a bladder diary. To do this, a person must note every time they urinate or leak urine over a certain period. This helps the doctor see patterns in a person’s urinary habits.
Treatments for BPH and OAB syndrome may differ slightly.
If someone with BPH does not have symptoms that affect their daily life or cause discomfort, a doctor
They may combine watchful waiting with recommending lifestyle changes to help manage a person’s symptoms. This may include achieving a moderate weight, reducing caffeine, limiting fluids in the evening, and more.
Researchers are also investigating other treatments with the potential to help people with BPH. People can speak with their healthcare team to learn all the available options.
Someone with new or worsening urinary symptoms can speak with a doctor for a diagnosis and information on treatments.
In some cases, lifestyle changes and home management strategies may be enough to relieve a person’s symptoms. However, some people may need medication or surgery.
Speaking with a healthcare professional and seeking treatment can help to reduce discomfort and any potential complications.
Because BPH and OAB syndrome are distinct conditions, it is possible for a person to have both at the same time. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose a person with lower urinary tract symptoms.
Because BPH and OAB syndrome are distinct conditions, it is possible for a person to have both at the same time. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose a person with lower urinary tract symptoms.
A doctor may recommend surgical treatments for someone with BPH if other treatments do not help.
A doctor may recommend surgical treatments for someone with BPH if other treatments do not help.
Certain urinary problems, including OAB syndrome, can affect sexual function. Certain treatments, such as surgical complications for BPH, may also contribute to issues with sexual function.
Certain urinary problems, including OAB syndrome, can affect sexual function. Certain treatments, such as surgical complications for BPH, may also contribute to issues with sexual function.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and overactive bladder (OAB) are distinct conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Symptoms may include increased frequency of or need to urinate.
Since these conditions can share symptoms, doctors may consider both during a diagnosis. They will assess a person’s medical history and current symptoms, and may order tests such as a cystoscopy to evaluate bladder outlet obstruction.
Treatments may depend on a person’s symptoms and their severity. Some people may be able to manage BPH and OAB with lifestyle changes.