Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is when the prostate and surrounding tissue expands. The prostate goes through two main growth periods as a man ages. The first is early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. The second begins around age 25 and continues during most of a man’s life. As you age, your prostate may get larger. BPH is when it gets large enough to cause problems.
While the prostate is usually the size of a walnut or golf ball in adult men, it can grow to be as large as an orange. As the gland enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra. The bladder wall becomes thicker. Over time the bladder may weaken and lose the ability to empty fully. Urine then remains in the bladder. These problems cause many of the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of BPH. If you are not able to pass urine at all (called retention) or if you have renal failure, immediate attention is required. But, other symptoms like weak urine stream or the need to push or strain can many times be monitored.
BPH is benign. This means it is not cancer, nor does it lead to cancer. Still, BPH and cancer can happen at the same time. BPH itself may not require any treatment, but if it begins to cause symptoms, treatment may help. It is also of great value to know that BPH is common. About half of all men between ages 51 and 60 have BPH. Up to 90% of men over age 80 have it.