What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign (say: bih-nine) prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, causes your prostate gland to get bigger. The prostate gland makes semen.

Who gets BPH?

It usually happens in older men. It also runs in families.

What are the symptoms?

You may have problems urinating because the prostate gland surrounds your urethra, which carries the urine out of your body (see drawing).

It may be hard to start urinating, or you may not be able to urinate at all. You may have to go to the bathroom more often than normal.

How can my doctor tell if I have BPH?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. You may need a rectal exam to see how large your prostate gland is and to check for cancer, which can also cause your prostate to get bigger. Your doctor may take a urine sample to check for signs of bladder or prostate disease.

How is it treated?

If the symptoms don't bother you, you may not need treatment. If the symptoms bother you, there are medicines that can help you feel better.

You may decide to have surgery. Your doctor can tell you what treatment is best for you.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor

American Urological Association

• Web site: http://www.UrologyHealth.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

• Web site: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/