what is BPH?

What is the Prostate?

A part of the male reproductive system, the prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that makes fluid that goes into semen. The prostate sits in front of the rectum just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra at the neck of the bladder. Throughout life, most men experience continued growth of the prostate although it isn't entirely clear what causes the prostate to enlarge.  Scientific studies suggest that the enlargement may occur because of changing hormone levels as men age.

What is BPH?

BPH is the abbreviation for “benign prostatic hyperplasia,” but this condition is also known as prostate gland enlargement, benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP, BPE), adenofibromyomatous hyperplasia, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and benign prostatic obstruction.   It is a condition that occurs in men when the prostate gland is enlarged and not cancerous (benign).

As the prostate enlarges, it presses against and constricts the urethra. The bladder wall becomes thicker, and the bladder may weaken and lose the ability to empty. The narrowing of the urethra and the inability to empty the bladder completely (urinary retention) cause many of the symptoms of BPH.

A normal prostate is on the left. BPH is on the right.1