Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia at a cellular level, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that frequently results in a slow urine stream, a build up of urine in the bladder, and often a frequent and urgent need to pass urine. It is a very common condition and 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 usually forms in the outer portion of the prostate, untreated BPH is mainly an inconvenience and not a life-threatening disease.