What is BPH?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia, the medical term for an enlarged prostate. As men age, the prostate grows bigger and often begins to press against the urethra. This pressure causes the flow of urine to become slower and less forceful.

As a result, the bladder works harder to move urine through the urethra. The extra work causes the muscle of the bladder wall to become thicker and more irritable, which increases urinary problems. The bladder begins to contract in response to smaller and smaller amounts of urine. This leads to more frequent urination. Over time, the bladder can lose its ability to empty itself completely. 2

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