Which of the following is a common irritative symptom associated with BPH?

Nocturia is a common irritative symptom associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is characterized by an increased frequency of urination during the night. This occurs due to the enlarged prostate compressing the urethra and bladder, leading to increased sensitivity and the need to urinate more frequently.

In the context of BPH, nocturia can significantly impact a person's quality of life, as it disrupts sleep and can lead to additional complications, such as sleep deprivation and increased fatigue. The underlying mechanism involves changes in bladder function and storage capacity as the prostate grows and potentially leads to bladder instability.

Other symptoms often associated with BPH include difficulty starting urination, post-void dribbling, and decreased urinary stream force, which are primarily obstructive symptoms rather than irritative. These obstructive symptoms manifest due to the physical obstruction of urine flow caused by the enlarged prostate tissue. Therefore, while they are significant, they do not fall under the category of irritative symptoms, which are characterized more by sensations of urgency and frequency rather than the mechanics of urination itself.