Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is the term used to describe an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a small organ that sits below the bladder and around the urethra just in front of the bowel. The prostate function is to create the fluid to protect sperm in a male’s semen.  Prostate enlargement develops when prostate cells grow bigger over time.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia generally arises in men around age forty and is more common at age fifty. Prostate enlargement can develop over several years. A swollen prostate can block the urethra, or the passageway of urine from the bladder, as demonstrated in this Prostate enlargement flash animation. This can cause symptoms of enlarged prostate to surface, such as frequent urination, a weak stream of urine, or urinary retention, which occurs when amounts of urine remain in the bladder even after urination.

During the day, a person’s bladder fills with urine. During urination, the walls of the bladder contract and press down to release the urine through the urethra and out of the body. The wall of the bladder is thin at a young age and increases in thickness as we grow older. As the bladder thickens, it has to work harder to push the urine through the urethra. With benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlarged prostate may block the urine from exiting the urethra. It could also make the flow of urine weaker and not empty the bladder completely.

Just because a person may suffer from prostatic hyperplasia, or an increased number of cells of the prostate, it does not constitute that prostate cancer is present. Although it is non-cancerous and not life-threatening, benign prostatic hyperplasia can create more problems if the condition develops further. A person with an enlarged prostate can suffer from bladder or kidney problems as well. Damage to the urinary system can occur if an enlarged prostate is left untreated. There are several prostate treatment options available to men suffering from BPH. Enlarged prostate treatment can include medicines or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a common condition among older men. A person may or may not experience enlarged prostate symptoms of BPH, however any signs or physical discomfort should not be ignored. A urologist can detect BPH through a diagnostic analysis which may include a rectal exam, transrectal ultrasound, and a urodynamic study. The best practice for avoiding prostate problems is to receive regular medical checkups and prostate exams from your doctor.