Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an increase in the size of the prostate. The condition is also commonly referred to as benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP), adenofibromyomatous hyperplasia or benign prostatic hypertrophy. The latter is technically incorrect.

BPH entails hyperplasia of prostatic stromal and epithelial cells, which leads to the formation of large nodules in the periurethral region of the prostate. When they grow large enough, these nodules compress the urethral canal and partially obstruct the urethra, which in turn affects the normal flow of urine. This condition leads to urinary hesitancy, frequent urination, painful urination (dysuria), increased risk of urinary tract infections, and urinary retention. BPH patients may present elevated levels of prostate-specific antigens due to increased organ volume and inflammation caused by urinary infections. BPH, however, does not lead to cancer nor does it increase the risk of cancer. Continue Reading