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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

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content provided by Healthwise

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that occurs in almost all men as they age. As the prostate enlarges, it may cause difficulty urinating, a need to get up many times during the night to urinate, a frequent urge to urinate, or a sense that the bladder is not completely empty after urination.

The need for treatment depends on how bothered a man is by his symptoms. If treatment is needed, it may include medications or, less commonly, surgery.

BPH does not cause prostate cancer. However, symptoms typical of BPH should be evaluated by a doctor to be certain they are not actually caused by prostate cancer.

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Last Updated: March 24, 2008
Author:
Monica Rhodes
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology


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