Benign prostatic hyperplasia is nonmalignant (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate gland, a common occurrence in older men. It is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia and abbreviated as BPH.

In BPH, the prostate gland grows in size. It may compress the urethra which courses through the center of the prostate. This can impede the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra to the outside. It can cause urine to back up in the bladder (retention) leading to the need to urinate frequently during the day and night. Other common symptoms include a slow flow of urine, the need to urinate urgently and difficulty starting the urinary stream. More serious problems include urinary tract infections and complete blockage of the urethra, which may be a medical emergency and can lead injury to the kidneys. BPH is not a precursor (a forerunner) to prostate cancer.

If you are noticing a weaker stream, sensation of incomplete emptying, frequent trips to the restroom at night, and increasing urinary frequency, you may be having symptoms of BPH. We manage both medical and surgical treatment for BPH including TransUrethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) and Greenlight Laser.