Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia at a cellular level, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that is characterized by a slowdown in the urine stream, a build up of urine in the bladder, and often a frequent and urgent need to urinate. About one quarter of men over 65 have symptoms. The name refers to an increase in size of the inner portion of the prostate gland. Unlike prostate cancer, which forms primarily in the outer portion of the prostate, BPH is a non-life-threatening disease that may affect the quality of life, but not the quantity.

Treatment options for BPH include surgery and medicine to reduce the amount of tissue and increase the flow of urine. If BPH is left untreated, urine can back up into the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and failure, and weakening of the bladder muscle so that it is not strong enough to expel all the urine. The Prostate-Specific Antigen blood test (PSA) and rectal examination will help the early detection of BPH. Creatinine may also be measured to see if kidney function has been affected.