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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

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 medicines or, less commonly, surgery.

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

Last Revised: March 5, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC - Urology

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