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Male reproductive anatomy
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BPH
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Definition:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is sometimes referred to as an "enlarged prostate." BPH is a condition where benign (non-cancerous) nodules enlarge the prostate gland. The prostate gland produces the liquid in which sperm are expelled from the penis.

Alternative Names:
BPH; Benign prostatic hypertrophy; Enlarged prostate; Prostate - enlarged

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The actual cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is unknown. However, men who have had their testicles removed do not develop BPH and, after castration, BPH has been observed to regress. In other words, the presence of normally functioning testicles appears to be necessary for the development of BPH. Abnormally growing prostate tissue may use male hormones differently than normal prostate tissue.

Although this tissue growth is non-cancerous, as the tumor grows larger it can obstruct the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine.

The incidence of BPH increases with advancing age. BPH is so common that it has been said, "All men will have benign prostatic hyperplasia if they live long enough!" A small amount of BPH is present in 80% of men over 40 years old and over 95% of men 80 years old. No risk factors have been identified other than having normally functioning testicles.



Review Date: 10/29/2002
Reviewed By: Steven Angelo, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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