Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men aged 50 and over. In case you’re worried, it’s not a cancer and usually neither a serious threat to health. Just so you know, BPH is also often referred to as prostate gland enlargement, benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic obstruction.

BPH is usually first recognized by sufferers when they have problems peeing (urinating – or if you really want to get ‘medical’ – micturition). This problem with peeing is caused by an enlarged prostate gland blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can go on to cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

As mentioned above, it is not unusual for men with an enlarged prostate to worry that they are developing prostate cancer. However, the risk of prostate cancer is no greater for men with an enlarged prostate than it is for men without an enlarged prostate.

How Does Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Begin?

As a man grows older the prostate goes through two main growth periods. The first growth surge happens in early in puberty when it doubles in size. The second phase of growth begins about the age of 25-years and then continues during most of a man’s life.

BPH often occurs during this second growth phase. As the prostate begins to enlarge, it presses against and pinches the urethra which becomes narrower. The bladder wall becomes thicker and eventually may weaken and lose the ability to completely empty and as a result leave some urine within it. The narrowing of the urethra together with this urinary retention, cause many of the problems associated with BPH.

There are a number of effective treatments for BPH, including medications, minimally invasive therapies and surgery. To choose the best option, you and your doctor will consider your symptoms, the size of your prostate, other health conditions you might have and your preferences.

What Is the Prostate?

Part of the male reproductive system, the prostate is a walnut-shaped gland. Its main function is to make a fluid that goes into semen. This prostate fluid is essential for fertility. The gland surrounds the urethra at the neck of the bladder. The bladder neck is the area where the urethra joins the bladder and are parts of the lower urinary tract.

The prostate has two or more lobes encircled by an outer layer of tissue. It is in front of the rectum, just below the bladder. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, it also carries semen out through the penis.